Peer-to-peer websites such as Airbnb and Uber are starting to have a negative impact on the traditional travel and tourism industry. This is according to the World Travel Market Industry Report 2014, released at the event in London on November 3.
The annual global survey of WTM exhibitors and buyers found that nearly one-in-five, or 19%, of those polled said their business had been affected by the emergence of peer-to-peer websites. The effect of these sites on established businesses was overwhelmingly negative, with 78% of respondents concerned about how peer-to-peer sites were impacting their business.
The report also found that accommodation sites in particular are gaining traction with UK consumers. Nearly one-in-ten or 9% of UK holidaymakers have used a site such as Airbnb, OneFineStay, Couchsurfing and Flipkey to book accommodation. Satisfaction levels were high, with 86% of respondents likely to use them again.
However, Airbnb faced criticism over health and safety checks, local and corporate taxes and its role in mediating when disputes arise between hosts and guests.
The UK Department for Business, Innovation and Skills is launching an independent review of the sharing economy after a PwC study released in August found that it could be worth £9 bn (R160 bn) to the UK by 2025.
The WTM Global Trends Report 2014 also identified peer-to-peer dining, where sites such as EatWith and Bookaloka will give guests the opportunity to experience local dining with local people, as a key trend within Europe.