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 Unpublished manuscript, Honors College, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC.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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