Tourist investors’ crisis and the collaborative economy

In this study, we examine the impact of residence-by-investment programs on collaborative economy platforms, particularly in the context of Greece’s tourism sector. Recent policy interventions have introduced significant restrictions on these programs, aiming to address housing shortages, but have inadvertently affected the short-term rental market. Our findings suggest that residence-by-investment programs play a crucial role in sustaining the growth of collaborative economy platforms, as investors often engage in short-term rentals to generate returns on their properties. These results underscore the importance of carefully balancing regulatory changes with economic incentives. Restrictive policies could dampen investment-driven tourism growth, while well-structured residence-by-investment programs may provide a pathway for sustainable tourism development. Our findings contribute to the broader discussion on tourism, digital business models, and the evolving regulatory landscape surrounding the collaborative economy.