Dominica, “the Nature Island of the Caribbean” as unknown for the Western countries, is rich in the natural and cultural resources without any industrialization and for its moderate economic sector, is prepared to diversify its economy...
moreDominica, “the Nature Island of the Caribbean” as unknown for the Western countries, is rich in the natural and cultural resources without any industrialization and for its moderate economic sector, is prepared to diversify its economy with the Tourism Sector now.
The Island had been affected by the Hurricane Maria in 2017, and prior to that the tropical storm Erika in 2015. After facing the subsequent tragedies, the Island could save only 70 thousand inhabitants through the recoveries done.
With a well-planned mid-range level hospitality service, this destination is keen to compete with the neighbor Caribbean Islands. Mass tourism and a strong market position in the world of travel market for the famous Caribbean Islands are supposed to prevent the assets, and therefore a compatible political framework of the Island is bound to develop.
The major benefit of Dominica is considered to be its profound yet ultimate change of Travel Industry from the masses to personalized tourism-related products and avenues. Such are the opportunities which Dominica is geared up to avail by developing and practicing the digitally integrated environmental, social and economically sustainable Tourism avenues.
Furthermore, the holistic nature and social environment untouched by the commercialized tourism sector is a perfect match for the tourists, hybrid customers and or digital nomads as the ultimate facilitators.
The idea to develop a sustainable strategy for Dominica by using Airbnb came after discovering more than 400 listings. The Hotel Industry, with only 42 certified Hotels, is overturned by the largest peer to peer accommodation provider in the world. Having to stay that 50% of the certified Hotels are listing their rooms on Airbnb itself. The sharing economy platform with the transnational strategy and customer centricity which owes its market dominance by offering web and mobile friendly online community marketplace for the Hosts and Guests, and with the transparent dual charging and rating systems, the present cannot ignore anymore.
For local micro-entrepreneurs to the drifters, business travelers, as Guests and Hosts, for the hybrid consumers, and indigenous minorities and much more, no other system makes it easier to travel, operate and meet the like-minded individuals at the same level.
Airbnb can thereby be a factual threat for the traditional Hotel Industry and governance, but contemporarily it offers numerous opportunities for sustainable development. The search had had a very real effect and positive impact for the Discover Dominica Authority and the country through the signing of a contract between Airbnb and Dominica.
This research investigates the usability of Airbnb in Dominica and its positive impact on the economic prosperity and a link to the global Tourism Sector. The process should contribute to a better understanding of Airbnb as a sharing economy. In the end, strategies should assist in developing a suitable solution to enhance a cooperative agreement between Dominica and Airbnb.