Whilst the sharing economy has made travelling more convenient and affordable, consumers need to be wary of companies that are cutting corners to get ahead, says Abercrombie and Kent Founder and LUX columnist Geoffrey Kent
Looking back over my 56 years in the travel industry and I can think of very few concepts that have revolutionised the way we holiday in the same way the rise of the sharing economy has. Uber, Lyft, Airbnb and other examples of ?collaborative consumption? companies have changed the way we visit destinations and how we interact with them while there ? where we stay and how we move around.
No longer a fad, PricewaterhouseCooper declared the sharing economy here to stay back in 2015. Figures that are sure to have increased since PWC?s survey was conducted, but then 19 per cent of the total US adult population had engaged in a sharing economy transaction, and amongst those familiar with the sharing economy, the vast majority perceived benefits like convenience, efficiency and affordability. Follow LUX on Instagram: the.official.lux.magazine
The service that Uber and Airbnb provide is undoubtedly something people want ? testament to the success they have seen globally in their short lifespans. For me, gone are the days of waiting for a cab in the rain in London ? an Uber driver can be with you quickly wherever you need it. And Airbnb answers a need for beds ? opening up new destinations to tourists worldwide at a price that suits them. These are both amazing ...