Before beginning this exercise, you will need to read the Airbnb case. You will also need to review concepts in Chapter 1. The f

Answer:  

Airbnb acts as a platform for advertising and facilitating transactions for local accommodations rather than owning any properties.  

Large Hotel Chains  

They cater to guests in either single or multiple rooms, offering additional amenities such as luxurious dining and spa services.  

These properties boast stunning views, adding appeal due to the vacation destination.  

Bed and Breakfasts  

Typically smaller, these are often run by owners who provide a few guest rooms within their own home. They focus on bed and breakfast offerings, creating a charming atmosphere to enhance the visitor's experience—many are situated in rural areas or possess a historical background.  

While Airbnb connects travelers and hosts, large hotel chains and bed and breakfasts are tied to municipal, state, and federal regulations.  

Answer 2:  

Large Hotels  

Advantages  

Invest heavily in additional services, targeting all segments of travelers: on-site spa services and high-quality dining.  

Additionally, they provide magnificent views, which contribute to a location's desirability.  

Convenient access to highways and roads  

Disadvantages  

Higher costs - Shifting consumer preferences are moving away from ownership towards sharing/renting to avoid overspending: "A Goldman Sachs study indicated that once an individual uses Airbnb, their inclination for traditional accommodation declines significantly."  

Quaint Inns  

Advantages  

Offer a more personalized, tranquil setting, with the suburban area being a unique selling proposition (as vast establishments might be perceived as impersonal).  

Can reduce effort or resources needed for renting properties intended for commercial use.  

Disadvantages  

Limited number of rooms = restricted sales potential  

Services may be lacking, with breakfast options often limited or basic.  

Airbnb  

Advantages  

Consumer tendencies are shifting from traditional ownership towards sharing/renting.  

Large hotels are leveraging Airbnb’s platform.  

Disadvantages  

Lacks protections for paying guests  

Is heavily dependent on the quality of hosts provided.  

Answer 3:  

People seem to prefer sharing or trading various assets, going beyond traditional means, shifting from luxury watches and apparel to cars, homes, and more. The desire to not own items appears to grow. They seek community connection and a deeper relationship with their hosts, which fuels this preference.  

Answer 4:  

Core components contributing to the success of Airbnb involve their business model that nurtures trust, credibility, and transparency among guests and local hosts.  

Originally, Airbnb thrived on the concept of a "sharing economy." It provides a platform for services while matching demands through peer-reviewed online marketplaces. By harnessing widespread mobile technology and declining costs in tech, Airbnb allows individuals to quickly list various resources. Users can simply log onto the platform and present their offerings. The enterprise is rapidly growing, with a notable investment of $850 million in 2016, propelling its market valuation to approximately $30 billion.  

Answer 5:  

I foresee a bright future for Airbnb as one of the frontrunners in the sharing economy. Hosts, guests, and Airbnb itself stand to benefit from the platform. However, despite this potential, they are still facing several current concerns and future challenges:  

Customer Service: Trust issues persist between hosts and guests. Despite Airbnb's rating system for both parties, reviews can be biased since guests may cater to their interests and those of competitors, impacting host reputations. According to Professor Dolnicar at UQ business school, "this system promotes fair host and guest behavior while penalizing unreliable actions." This approach is contrastingly different from the traditional hotel market.  

Loyalty Programs: Airbnb implements relatively low fees for services provided between hosts and total cost per booking but lacks a loyalty program to incentivize committed hosts and guests.