Is Airbnb a Good Choice for Family Travel?

ABSTRACT

This study investigates how a sharing economy shapes family travel in accommodation service. This study draws on a data source composed of a literature review and in-depth interviews with family travelers. Interviews with Airbnb family users are transcribed and analyzed using NVivo. Coding enables the researcher to identify major dimensions of the effects of Airbnb on family travel. The results show that special experience is the most important dimension of family travelers, followed by facilities and space, online reviews, location, and recommendations of friends. This outcome serves as pointers for Airbnb hosts in addressing the needs and expectations in family travel.

摘要

本研究探讨共享经济如何塑造家庭旅行在住宿服务。本研究借鉴了文献回顾和对家庭旅行者进行深入访谈的数据源。通过 NVivo 对 Airbnb 家庭用户的访谈进行转录和分析。研究人员使用编码确定 Airbnb 对家庭旅行影响的主要方面。结果表明, 特殊经验是家庭旅客最重要的维度, 其次是设施和空间、在线评论、地点和朋友推荐。这一结果是 Airbnb 主人在家庭旅行中满足需求和期望的经营指针。

KEYWORDS:

• Airbnb
• family travel
• sharing economy
• alternative accommodation
• experience

关键词:

• Airbnb
• 家庭旅行
• 共享经济
• 另类住宿
• 体验

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Funding

This paper and research project (Project Number: 2015.A6.066.16B) was funded by the Public Policy Research Funding Scheme from Policy Innovation and Co-ordination Office of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.

Notes on contributors

Pearl M. C. Lin

Pearl M. C. Lin is an assistant professor in the School of Hotel and Tourism Management at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. She is interested in food and beverage management, as well as, sharing economy in accommodation, dining, and food delivery services.