The sharing economy and the approach adopted by Malta's hotel industry

Abstract

A global mega-trend in a matter few years the Sharing Economy has impacted many different markets including the tourism and travel sectors globally. Companies which operate in this economy, such as 'Airbnb' have brought about a considerable change in the tourism sector worldwide. Statistical reports and qualitative data have already been collected in many different countries to see the impact of companies, such as Airbnb on the different market segments. Being a very recent phenomenon to hit the local tourism industry it has been decided to conduct a research study from the local hotels' perspective. In this study the effects of the sharing economy on Malta's 3-star, 4-star and 5-star hotels are studied. The approach taken is a mixed method is a quantitative one in order to cover as many of the local hotels as possible.

On the other hand I am also using the qualitative approach by means of interviews with government entities and associations, such as, MTA and MHRA in order to get their opinion on the matter.

The findings of this study establish how the local 3-star, 4-star and 5-star hotels feel about this trend and whether it is to be considered a threat or an opportunity to them. The research also recommends future actions to be taken by central government entities and other stakeholders in order to implement adequate policies.