SHARING ECONOMY IN THE TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY SECTOR IN GREECE
February 24, 2015
Posted By: Dr Pantazis Pastras
The research project, which was commissioned by the Hellenic Chamber
of Hotels, explored the various trends related to the emergence and
expansion of the sharing economy in the tourism and
hospitality industry in Greece.
The final report has been a valuable addition to the rich portfolio of Toposophy projects carried out on behalf of government agencies and destination marketing-management organizations.
Our aim was to develop a thorough understanding of all the technological, demographic, and socio-cultural drivers associated with the recent growth of the sharing economy as well as to address the various concerns raised by the traditional groups of tourism stakeholders.
Emphasis was also given to the practice of short-term rentals through online platforms such as Airbnb, and the analysis involved both the political debates and the regulatory approaches identified in tourism destinations around the world.Deliverables
- Extensive desk research including policy papers and reports along with numerous pieces of legislation from different countries and cities.
- Primary research based on semi-structured questionnaires that were answered through an online platform. The research sample was representative of the stakeholder groups currently involved in relevant debates, with interviewees from the major companies of the sharing economy (e.g. Airbnb, Uber), influential associations of the tourism industry (e.g. UNWTO, HOTREC members) and destination authorities at an international level (e.g. Barcelona, Amsterdam, Seoul, etc.).
- A High Policy Forum that took place in November 2014 with the participation of the Greek Minister of Tourism, key speakers of the hotel sector in Greece, and representatives of Airbnb and the European Tour Operators Association.
- A set of policy recommendations that the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels will use as a point of reference in forthcoming debates with the Greek government.
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