Case Study 2: The Impact of the Sharing Economy on Travel | Travel Operations and Management

Question 1

How might the sharing economy affect traditional travel agencies?

Accepted Answer

Increased competition

Accepted Answer

Less demand for personalized services

Accepted Answer

More chances to work together

Answer

No real change

Question 2

Characterizing the Sharing Economy, which option best describes its essence?

Accepted Answer

Collaborative utilization of resources

Answer

Centralized authority and ownership

Answer

Profit maximization as a primary goal

Answer

Restricted access and exclusivity

Question 3

In the travel industry, the sharing economy offers potential opportunities. Which of the following is NOT a recognized benefit?

Accepted Answer

Guaranteed availability of travel services

Answer

Enhanced affordability and accessibility of travel

Answer

Positive environmental impact

Answer

Increased revenue opportunities for traditional travel businesses

Question 4

Within the sharing economy, which model involves renting out personal residences or rooms?

Accepted Answer

Peer-to-peer accommodation sharing

Answer

Peer-to-peer transportation sharing

Answer

Peer-to-peer food sharing

Answer

Peer-to-peer skill sharing

Question 5

In the context of the sharing economy, what term describes offering temporary accommodation in spare bedrooms?

Accepted Answer

Airbnb-ing

Answer

Couchsurfing

Answer

House swapping

Answer

HomeAway

Question 6

When it comes to peer-to-peer transportation sharing services, which is NOT a recognized advantage?

Accepted Answer

Guaranteed availability of rides

Answer

Reduced traffic congestion

Answer

Lower transportation costs

Answer

Enhanced environmental sustainability

Question 7

Ethical considerations are relevant to the sharing economy in the travel industry. Which of these is NOT a recognized ethical concern?

Accepted Answer

Prioritizing profit maximization over social impact

Answer

Ensuring fair labor practices for sharing economy workers

Answer

Protecting user data privacy and security

Answer

Promoting responsible tourism practices

Question 8

To assess the impact of the sharing economy on travel, conduct a SWOT analysis of Airbnb, a major player in this sector. Analyze its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

Accepted Answer

Conduct a SWOT analysis of Airbnb, examining both internal and external factors.

Answer

Airbnb's success in travel is solely due to its strengths.

Answer

The sharing economy poses no challenges to businesses like Airbnb.

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the sharing economy in the context of the travel industry?

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on ownership of assets

Answer

Collaborative consumption

Answer

Peer-to-peer transactions

Answer

Focus on utilizing existing resources

Question 10

Airbnb is an example of a sharing economy business operating in which sector of the travel industry?

Accepted Answer

Accommodation

Answer

Transportation

Answer

Food and beverage

Answer

Entertainment

Question 11

How does the sharing economy contribute to sustainability in the travel industry?

Accepted Answer

Reduces carbon emissions by promoting carpooling and public transportation.

Answer

Increases waste production due to disposable services.

Answer

Has no impact on sustainable practices in travel.

Answer

Promotes overtourism by making travel more accessible.

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a type of sharing economy business model in travel?

Accepted Answer

Hotel booking through traditional agencies

Answer

Ride-sharing

Answer

Home-sharing

Answer

Vacation rentals

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a distinct type of sharing economy business model in the travel industry?

Accepted Answer

Booking.com

Answer

Airbnb

Answer

Uber

Answer

Peer-to-peer car rental

Question 14

How can established travel companies leverage the sharing economy for growth?

Accepted Answer

Partner with sharing economy platforms for new revenue streams

Answer

Reduce competition from new entrants

Answer

Eliminate investments in physical assets

Answer

Lower marketing expenses through increased word-of-mouth

Question 15

Which of the following is typically NOT an advantage of the sharing economy for travelers?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced safety

Answer

Lower costs and greater convenience

Answer

Expanded selection of travel options

Answer

Increased flexibility and personalization

Question 16

Which of the following is a characteristic of the sharing economy?

Accepted Answer

Peer-to-peer transactions

Answer

Solely profit-focused businesses

Answer

High barriers to entry

Question 17

Which type of sharing economy business enables travelers to rent out their vehicles?

Accepted Answer

Turo

Answer

Uber

Answer

BlaBlaCar

Answer

Airbnb

Question 18

How has the sharing economy impacted the travel agent profession?

Accepted Answer

Reduced their significance as intermediaries for certain travel arrangements

Answer

Increased their demand for specialized services

Answer

Improved their ability to offer highly curated experiences

Answer

Had no impact

Question 19

How can travel companies leverage the sharing economy to enhance their offerings?

Accepted Answer

Offer integrated booking platforms that include sharing economy options

Answer

Ignore the sharing economy

Answer

Limit their exposure to sharing economy services

Answer

Acquire sharing economy businesses without considering strategic fit

Question 20

Which of the following is essential for effective collaboration between travel companies and sharing economy businesses?

Accepted Answer

Establishing clear terms and conditions

Answer

Allowing for unlimited access to their platform

Answer

Focusing solely on profit maximization

Answer

Ignoring customer feedback about sharing economy experiences

Question 21

Identify the option that is not a fundamental component of the sharing economy within the travel industry?

Accepted Answer

Conventional package tours marketed by travel agencies

Answer

Rentals of accommodations between individuals

Answer

Ride-sharing services for transportation

Question 22

The surge in popularity of Airbnb has notably affected which conventional travel sector?

Accepted Answer

Hotel industry

Answer

Cruise industry

Answer

Airline industry

Answer

Travel insurance sector

Question 23

What is a key advantage for travelers who use sharing economy platforms such as Airbnb?

Accepted Answer

Access to more affordable accommodation options

Answer

Ensuring standardized, opulent experiences

Answer

Guaranteeing the highest degree of safety and security

Question 24

Which of the following choices presents a potential challenge that sharing economy companies within the travel sector may face?

Accepted Answer

Increased regulatory scrutiny and the potential for legal issues

Answer

Limited options for travel destinations

Answer

Lack of traveler interest in unique travel experiences

Question 25

A travel agency that provides personalized itineraries created by local experts is an example of what kind of sharing economy enterprise?

Accepted Answer

Experience-based platform

Answer

Accommodation rental platform

Answer

Transportation service platform

Question 26

How can technology be used by sharing economy platforms to enhance the satisfaction of travelers?

Accepted Answer

By offering personalized suggestions and making communication seamless

Answer

By offering discounts and promotions for repeat customers

Answer

By forming exclusive partnerships with major airlines

Question 27

In the context of the sharing economy, what is the best definition of the idea of 'collaborative consumption'?

Accepted Answer

Individuals sharing resources and services for mutual benefit and economic gain

Answer

Government regulations designed to control the growth of the sharing economy

Answer

Large corporations competing for market share in the travel industry

Question 28

What ethical considerations should sharing economy businesses address in order to guarantee responsible and sustainable practices?

Accepted Answer

Fair labor practices, environmental impact, and community engagement

Answer

Customer satisfaction, brand loyalty, and marketing strategies

Answer

Profit maximization, market dominance, and technological innovation

Question 29

How can a travel and tourism professional use the sharing economy to provide more appealing and diverse travel packages?

Accepted Answer

By integrating local expertise, unique experiences, and community involvement

Answer

By completely relying on traditional travel partners and established tour operators

Answer

By exclusively concentrating on cost-effective options and reducing service quality

Question 30

Which of the following elements is the least likely to affect the sharing economy's future growth in travel?

Accepted Answer

Decreased demand for authentic and distinctive travel opportunities

Answer

Increase in internet connectivity and smartphone use

Answer

Growing need for sustainable and responsible travel options