REGULATION OF PEER-TO-PEER TOURIST ACCOMMODATION SERVICES: LESSONS FROM ASIA PACIFIC COUNTRIES FOR SRI LANKA

Abstract

Purpose: The peer-to-peer accommodation industry has expanded tremendously in the previous decade. The study aimed to evaluate the adequacy of existing guidelines and policies in regulating peer-to-peer tourist accommodations driven by Airbnb in Sri Lanka by examining the policies of 16 Asia Pacific states and countries to see how countries manage differential impacts of Airbnb. Methodology/Approach: A qualitative content analysis of the documents was conducted through Leximancer 5.0 to identify patterns, themes and meanings. Findings: The results revealed nine significant themes that emerged from the content analysis of documents, and 18 priority areas were identified to be focused on in introducing regulations and guidelines for peer-to-peer tourist accommodations driven by sharing accommodation platforms. Research Limitation/implication: The findings can contribute to the ongoing regulatory discussion over short-term rentals and have immediate implications for state legislators attempting to regulate the business. In addition, the results will help understand policy trends in the sharing economy and develop the necessary robust policy and legal framework to support and strengthen the sharing economy. Originality/Value of paper: This is the first article investigating the adequacy of existing guidelines and policies in regulating peer-topeer tourist accommodations driven by Airbnb in Sri Lanka.