Tours and activities in the sharing economy

Abstract

With the recent entrance of Airbnb, the sharing economy in the tours and activities sector has grown significantly. Due to its novelty, it is an area that has not been explored in the literature. This research is a first approach to the sector and its characteristics. We implemented a two-step methodology. First, we used a quantitative approach and analysed the Airbnb Experiences’ available offer in four major destinations in Spain, and we compared this offer to that of two platforms which commercialize traditional tours and activities. We then used a qualitative approach by conducting semi-structured interviews with fifteen professional businesses that use the Airbnb platform as a distribution channel. We present several conclusions: the offer of tours and activities available in the sharing economy overlaps with the existing one in other B2C platforms, but it also presents some new features and types of activities; providers are a combination of professionals and amateurs; and customers are highly satisfied with the tours and activities they get in the sharing economy.