CouchSurfing and the Experience Economy

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Allison Wiles (Creator)
Institution
East Carolina University (ECU )
Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Abstract: The needs of guests in the tourism industry are changing as they continue to seek unique experiences, enhancing the overall satisfaction of a guest's experience. CouchSurfing is a new phenomenon in the travel and tourism industry. The social media platform connects hosts with surfers needing places to stay across the globe. While recent studies have looked at CouchSurfing, they have not focused on its place in the experience economy. According to Pine and Gilmore, value is added to services to create a higher value in experiences. The four realms of experience are entertainment, educational, escapist and esthetic. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to develop a better understanding of CouchSurfing and its role in the experience economy by examining which of the quadrants CouchSurfing best fit. The study also identifies important aspects and impacts of the CouchSurfing experience

Additional Information

Publication
Honors Project
Wiles, Allison. (2015). CouchSurfing and the experience economy. Unpublished manuscript, Honors College, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC.
Language: English
Date: 2015
Keywords
Hospitality network, Alternative lodging

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TitleLocation & LinkType of Relationship
CouchSurfing and the Experience Economyhttp://hdl.handle.net/10342/4817The described resource references, cites, or otherwise points to the related resource.