Sharing Economy and Entrepreneurship in Tourism
The Emerald Handbook of Entrepreneurship in Tourism, Travel and Hospitality
ISBN: 978-1-78743-530-8, eISBN: 978-1-78743-529-2
Publication date: 11 July 2018
Abstract
Purpose
This chapter aims to present and analyse the phenomenon of ‘sharing economy’ or ‘collaborative consumption’ in relation to tourism entrepreneurship. It presents and highlights the factors contributing to the growth of sharing economy and its business models, as well as strategically analyse related opportunities, challenges, concerns and threats in the field of tourism entrepreneurship.
Methodology/approach
Literature review was conducted on conceptual issues and main aspects of sharing economy, combined with examples and case studies within the tourism business environment.
Findings
This chapter highlights the fact that tourism businesses face new developments, trends and changes in tourist consumer behaviour and travel technology. It shows that sharing economy is on the rise, already affecting all segments of tourism industry, offering significant opportunities, as well as challenges and threats.
Research limitations/implications
This chapter is explorative in nature because the discussed is based on a literature review.
Practical implications
The sharing economy/collaborative consumption is transforming the way people access goods and services changing all elements of trip planning. This is of great significance to the tourism industry, considering the business opportunities in all segments of related businesses. It is suggested that tourism entrepreneurs – existing, new and prospective – should elaborate the suitable strategies to address the new challenges.
Originality/value
It analyses main issues and aspects of the sharing economy within the tourism context. This analysis contributes to an improved knowledge and understanding that are very useful to all existing and prospective tourism providers.
Keywords
Citation
Avgeli, V. (2018), "Sharing Economy and Entrepreneurship in Tourism", Sotiriadis, M. (Ed.) The Emerald Handbook of Entrepreneurship in Tourism, Travel and Hospitality, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 403-421. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-78743-529-220181029
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018 Emerald Publishing Limited