INSIGHTS INTO PLATFORM TOURISM SERVICES: FUTURE DEMAND PERSPECTIVES IN SLOVAKIA

Abstract

A model based on digital sharing has brought a new wind to the business world. Its growth was abruptly disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. As anti-epidemiological measures have most significantly affected the tourism sector, this paper attempts to outline the development perspective of platform tourism services. The aim of the paper is to examine the plans of the Slovak population related to the use of platform tourism services after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the results of focus groups and questionnaire survey, the paper predicts, that the current crisis will not weaken the development of the tourism platform economy, while demand will be price-driven. As the economy of platform tourism services will be an integral part of our lives for many years to come, it is possible to assume a relentless interest not only of practice, but also of scholars. The research confirms that the accommodation and the transport are the most important paid platform tourism services. They are popular mainly because of the price, not because of the environmental friendliness which denote rather a positive externality of their use. Platform tourism services should be seen as a whole, not as fragments through the prism of selected platforms. The paper highlights information as a key segment and draws attention to the shortcomings of measuring platform services, especially transport ones. Platform tourism services will continue to transform the business. Therefore, it is necessary to better understand it and look for opportunities for its sustainable development. The uniqueness of the current study lies, among others, in the use of mixed methods which help to comprehensively understand the problem in depth and breadth.