Are collaborative economy platforms an engine for tourism resilience? Evidence from the European Union

The collaborative economy, characterised by peer-to-peer exchanges facilitated by digital platforms, has rapidly emerged as a significant force in various sectors, and especially in tourism. This paper follows a twofold objective: firstly, it investigates the resilience of the collaborative economy platforms during the last shock, and secondly, it scrutinizes whether they serve as an engine for tourism resilience within the European Union. Through a comprehensive analysis of data provided by Eurostat, the study examines the extent to which these platforms contribute to the adaptability of the tourism sector in the face of economic and social challenges. Findings suggest that collaborative economy platforms enhance tourism resilience, however, the mechanisms of this resilience enhancement are still unknown, as the relation between the resilience of collaborative economy platforms and tourism sector is neither evenly distributed among the European regions, nor directly connected to various sector dependent variables. The paper concludes by discussing policy implications and recommending strategies for leveraging collaborative economy platforms to bolster tourism resilience across the EU.