Host-guest interaction in P2P accommodation under the epidemic: Motivations, behavior and influences

The epidemic has reshaped tourists demands and changed the way they interact with others. Using qualitative grounded theory, from the perspective of tourists, this study developed a framework to further illustrate the driving factors, other external factors, the new content of the interaction between the hosts and the guests, and the outcomes of such interaction in the context of epidemic. The result shows that exploring meaningful interpersonal relationship and releasing depression and anxiety are the driving factors for guests to engage in face-to-face interactions. Furthermore, guests’ perceived hygienic attributes of P2P accommodation during the stay influenced them infection risk perceptions. Guests with high-risk perceptions preferring to contactless or without interaction with the host, those with lower risk perceptions choosing to face-to-face interaction. The face-to-face and contactless interaction will enhance guests’ psychological capital and lead to tourist citizenship behaviors. The theoretical and practical implications were discussed as well