Managing Sustainable Sharing Economy Platforms: A Stimulus–Organism–Response Based Structural Equation Modelling on an Emerging Market

Abstract

Due to the rising appeal of travel, as well as the appearance of low-cost carriers that fly to both popular and exotic destinations, people nowadays tend to book their accommodation through the more convenient and flexible sharing economy platforms. The success of such platforms among consumers depends on various factors, such as satisfaction and platform credibility, and on sustainable performance among contributors, increasing their relevance and visibility. This research proposes a conceptual model for measuring the success of sharing economy platforms in tourism, based on added value, unique experience, and enhanced social interactions, together with credibility and sustainable performance. In this vein, the authors conduct an empirical investigation in an emerging market—Romania—where the development of such sharing economy platforms is still in its infancy. Data gathered by the authors by means of a self-developed questionnaire distributed to 500 respondents are modelled via structural equations with SmartPLS. The results indicate that the platform credibility and sustainable performance of sharing economy platforms are key elements in generating their success. The research adds value to the stimulus–organism–response approach, highlighting some insights from a relevant emerging market, which in the future could become a turning point for inbound and outbound tourism.

Big data management algorithms in artificial Internet of Things-based fintech

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Fostering Urban Destination Prosperity through Post COVID-19 Sustainable Tourism in Craiova, Romania

“…As a result of the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, a very large number of employees in the tertiary activity sector (tourism) struggled with remarkably increased levels of job turnover nationally and globally [44]. Among the most affected industries during the economic and health crisis between 2020 and 2022 was home-sharing, also known as collaborative tourism [45], to which transit tourism, event and festival tourism, and cultural tourism can be added. The only hope for tourism growth during the COVID-19 pandemic was represented by the online platforms [46], which significantly contributed to the recovery, decongestion, and revitalization of the tourism and hospitality industry between 2020 and 2023.…”

Effects of Gamified Mobile Apps on Purchase Intentions and Word-of-Mouth Engagement: Implications for Sustainability Behavior

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