The Challenges and Opportunities in China’s Shared Accommodation Industry Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

¹ School of Business, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214000, China
² School of Business, Shandong University, Weihai, 264209, China

^* Corresponding author: 202200620061@mail.sdu.edu.cn

Abstract

In this study, the research delves into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on China’s shared accommodation economy and the trends for post-pandemic development. Despite the significant challenges the pandemic posed to the shared accommodation market, recovery is gradually taking place with the widespread vaccination and lifting of travel restrictions. However, the pace of recovery varies across different platforms and regions. In the post-pandemic era, the shared accommodation economy faces new opportunities and challenges. The advancement of technology, particularly the application of big data and artificial intelligence, presents new possibilities for business models in shared accommodation. The pandemic has accelerated structural adjustments in the shared accommodation industry, with relevant enterprises beginning to adjust their property and service structures to meet changing consumer demands. Nevertheless, this study has its limitations; the depth and breadth of the research need further expansion. For future research directions, the study suggests focusing on the long-term development of the shared accommodation market, conducting in-depth studies on various factors influencing the market, and further investigating the impact of policies on the shared accommodation market and how to better adjust policies to promote the healthy development of the market.