Enhancing sustainable development in the tourism sharing economy: value co-creation in the service ecosystem

Purpose This study aims to explore how value co-creation is achieved through a relationship between hosts and guests in the urban tourism sharing economy (TSE). Based on the service-dominant logic, the study offers a novel understanding of the nature and types of value generated during interactions between hosts and guests within tours and activities, an area that has been comparatively overlooked in academic literature relative to accommodation. Design/methodology/approach The study employed an exploratory case study to thoroughly investigate the interactions between hosts and guests, focusing specifically on the types of value created through these interactions. The study employed various research methods, including in-depth interviews, participant observations and focus groups, to gather data and gain insight into the co-creation phenomenon. Findings The value of co-creation extends beyond the engagement between the host and guest to include participation from local service providers and local communities, promoting sustainable tourism development through stakeholder interactions. Research limitations/implications Future studies could expand on this theoretical foundation by quantitatively examining the co-creation practices and values identified, or by determining the levels of engagement involved. Practical implications It can assist tourism stakeholders in enhancing experiences for hosts and guests, and raising their awareness of how the TSE affects sustainable local development. Originality/value Host–guest value co-creation enhances sustainable tourism development in the TSE context.