Shared Living and Sustainability: Emerging Trends in the Tourism Industry

Abstract

An emerging concept in accommodations in the travel industry called Shared Living is blurring the lines between hospitality and residential living and is moving the industry towards greater ecological and social sustainability. Changing trends brought about by the sustainability challenge, climate change, technological advancements and increasing affluence and cultural awareness are disrupting the tourism industry.  Meeting clients’ needs for Leisure and Relaxation is not enough.  Increasingly sustainability-conscious travelers expect their fundamental needs of Participation, Creation and Identity to be fulfilled as well.  Today’s travelers want to do more than eat, sleep and sightsee – they want to interact with the local communities they are visiting.  But traditional accommodations offer little opportunity for travelers to engage with fellow travelers or local communities.  Emerging trends in accommodations are increasingly connecting travelers to the people, organizations and projects that are changing lives and transforming communities.  By understanding and adapting to the trends, the tourism industry can both contribute towards ecological social sustainability and reap the business benefits presented by the sustainability challenge of our time.