The future of Airbnb in China : industry perspective from hospitality leaders

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the development of Airbnb in China from the perspective of hospitality leaders by identifying the positive and negative effects of Airbnb development in the country. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative approach was adopted to explore the current development of sharing accommodation service in China. Focus group discussions were conducted with the managers and top executives of hotels in China. Findings: Most of the participants affirmed that the experience of local culture and authenticity are the advantages of staying in this type of informal accommodation. From the viewpoint of hoteliers, traditional accommodation is necessary to rethink their strategies by providing authentic experiences. By contrast, Airbnb service may not seamlessly fit into Chinese culture. The result also indicated that there is a need for government to regulate the informal accommodation platforms. Practical implications: This study provides views towards Airbnb from the traditional accommodation sector in Mainland China, which can contribute to the future regulation of informal accommodation services. Originality/value: Chinese market is the leading sector in tourism industry. With the popularity of Airbnb development around the world, Airbnb is still in a developing stage in Mainland China. This study is based on 45 hoteliers and industry professionals in China, who share their views on Airbnb development and how it should move forward. The findings of this study shed light on the informal accommodation service and its future directions in China. 目的 : 这项研究旨在从酒店业领导者的角度调查Airbnb在中国的发展, 以确定Airbnb在中国发展的正面和负面影响。 设计/方法/方法 : 本文采用定性方法来探索中国共享住宿服务的当前发展。研究组与中国酒店的经理和高层管理人员进行了焦点小组讨论。 结果 : 大多数参与者表示, 当地文化和真实性的体验是住在Airbnb这种非正式住宿中的优势。从酒店经营者的角度来看, 传统的住宿业需要重新考虑他们的经营策略, 为顾客提供真实的体验。相比之下, Airbnb的服务可能无法无缝融入中国文化。结果还表明, 政府需要规范非正式的住宿平台。 实际含义 : 该研究提供了中国内地传统住宿业对Airbnb的看法, 这有助于未来对非正式住宿服务的监管。 创意/价值 : 中国市场是旅游业的主导市场。Airbnb在世界范围内不断普及, 而它在中国内地市场仍处于发展阶段。参与研究的45位中国酒店业者和行业专业人士, 分享了对Airbnb开发的看法以及其之后的发展方向。这项研究的结果阐明了非正式住宿服务在中国的未来发展方向。