If you’re looking for a cheap alternative to hotels, it’s time to sleep with a local.
The cheeky claim is being made by travel companies such as AirBnB and Housetrip which allow travellers to find a spare house, room or car to share, according to the World Travel Market Global Trends Report released today.
The report – released to mark the launch of travel expo World Travel Market in London today – highlights how the current economic climate, and the rise of social media, has encouraged the new business models.
Peer-to-peer (P2P) services are recording strong growth in Europe, offering ‘authentic experiences at affordable prices’ says the report, produced in association with Euromonitor International.
As well as bargain basement deals P2P holidays offer interactions with locals, meaning travellers get a real feel for the area they visit, adds the report.
The range of accommodation is diverse, thanks to the growth of brands such as Airbnb, HouseTrip and HomeAway, while TripAdvisor has also embraced the concept by acquiring Flipkey, as well as listing HouseTrip and Airbnb as trusted partners for rentals.
HouseTrip, for instance, offers the five-bed Grand Singel luxury apartment in Amsterdam (above) from £494 per night for ten people.
Arnaud Bertrand, Chief Executive of HouseTrip, says: “The future of peer-to-peer holiday rentals really depends on legislation, but I believe that there are very good prospects. Hosts earn extra money for their pocket and guests get more value from their travel dollar, so it is an attractive proposition.”
Tours, guiding and unique travel experiences are offered by sites such as Touristlink and Vayable where travellers can get in touch with local residents. Car sharing services are also growing in Europe. In August 2013 Blablacar.com had more than three million members in 10 European countries and 600,000 members travelling monthly – and Avis bought car-sharing company Zipcar for US$500 million in 2013.
