Abstract:
The tourism industry has long been one of the largest export earners in the Sri Lankan
economy. Accommodation is a major sector in the tourism industry that needs to be
thoroughly investigated for the potential benefits to be reaped through the successful
integration of ICT. The sharing economy is defined as an economic system in which
assets or services are shared among individuals and/or organizations either free or for a
fee, usually through the use of the Internet. Airbnb is among the best examples for such
businesses that connect hosts and travelers, facilitating the process of renting without
owning any such facility. However, the opportunities brought by ICT integration in the
tourism industry are yet to be grasped by the Sri Lankan rural community which is nearly
four times the urban population. Taken together, the main aim of the proposed study is to
investigate the sharing economy business models to adopt them in the accommodation
sharing business in the rural areas of Sri Lanka. The study would be supported by a
comprehensive review of sharing economy business models adopted worldwide. Further,
a SWOT analysis is to be carried out analysing the respective competitive environment.
Based on the findings the study aims to provide a set of guidelines and recommendations
to be adopted in creating and revising relevant government policies and regulations and to
develop a business model for successfully implementing a sharing-based accommodation
business by the Sri Lankan rural community. As a pilot study, a questionnaire survey will
be carried out centering Dickwella city, Matara district employing different stakeholder
groups including hosts, travelers, and relevant institutions. As also investigating the
associated key concerns including sustainability, security, and privacy, the study is
believed to help enhance the participation of the rural population in the sharing-based
accommodation business and thereby towards improving the national economy.
Keywords: Sharing economy, Business model, Tourism industry, Accommodation sector,
Sri Lanka
