Heading: Blockchain Technology Revolutionizing Travel Experiences and Package Holidays

The End of Traditional Package Holiday Providers? Blockchain Technology Could Revolutionize Travel Experiences

A groundbreaking study from the University of Surrey suggests that blockchain technology could potentially disrupt the traditional package holiday provider model, giving more power to customers. The research focused on user acceptance of blockchain-based sharing platforms similar to Airbnb and found that this technology could eliminate intermediaries like holiday providers, leading to cost savings for travelers by bypassing booking platforms.

In addition to cost savings, property owners could benefit from blockchain adoption by earning more direct income without the hefty fees typically charged by listing companies. Customers could also enjoy greater control over their personal data due to blockchain’s enhanced security and privacy features during bookings.

Professor Iis Tussyadiah, co-author of the study and Head of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, emphasized the importance of understanding user preferences in designing successful blockchain-based sharing economies. The research highlights a shift in power from corporations to users, offering a more empowering experience for travelers.

The study also revealed gender-based differences in user preferences, with women valuing traceability for security and men focusing on income distribution. Professor Tussyadiah stressed the need for context-specific considerations in driving widespread adoption of blockchain solutions within the sharing economy.

Co-authored by Ikram Muharam and Dr. Albert Kimbu, the study has been published in Tourism Management. For more information, you can refer to the research article titled “Decentralising Airbnb: Testing the acceptability of blockchain-based sharing economy systems” in Tourism Management.