Digital Transformation and Sustainable Business Management in Tourism

Dear Colleagues,

In the rapidly evolving landscape of modern tourism, the convergence of digital transformation and sustainable business management has emerged as a pivotal nexus reshaping industry paradigm. The intricate interplay between cutting-edge technology and responsible practices has presented a spectrum of opportunities and challenges, warranting comprehensive scholarly exploration (Zhang & O'Connor, 2022). This Special Issue aims to delve into the dynamic interrelationship between digital transformation and sustainability within the context of the tourism industry. By meticulously examining the multifaceted ways in which digitalization influences various dimensions of tourism enterprises—customer interactions, operational dynamics, environmental stewardship, and cultural heritage preservation—this Special Issue seeks to unearth novel insights essential for guiding stakeholders towards a more sustainable and resilient trajectory.

Digital transformation is the process of using digital technologies to improve business operations (Rodrigues et al., 2020).). Digital technologies can help tourism businesses to become more efficient, productive, and sustainable as they can accomplish several important roles:

• Reduce the environmental impact of tourism by improving transportation, energy efficiency, and waste management;
• Improve the social and economic benefits of tourism by providing new opportunities for employment and education, and by supporting local communities;
• Make tourism more accessible to people with disabilities and people from low-income households;
• Create new opportunities for tourism in developing countries;
• Build resilience to climate change by helping tourism businesses to adapt to changing weather patterns and extreme events.

Digitalization's potential to transform the tourism sector has been widely acknowledged. Chen and Hu (2020) illustrate how emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things are revolutionizing guest experiences and operational efficiency in the hospitality sector. Furthermore, O'Rourke et al. (2019) emphasize the role of digital platforms in enhancing tourist engagement while fostering local economic development. However, as digital advancements continue to reshape tourism, there is a pressing need to critically evaluate their sustainability implications. Insights from Buhalis and Leung (2020) underscore the necessity of balanced technological integration for preserving cultural heritage and minimizing environmental footprints.

For this Special Issue, we invite submissions of original research articles, case studies, and conceptual papers that probe into the intricate dimensions of digital transformation within the tourism sector. This Special Issue will explore the role of digital transformation in sustainable business management in tourism, highlighting not only the affirmative impacts but also the potential drawbacks of digitalization, contemplating its role in either advancing or impeding sustainable practices (Buitrago-Salcedo et al., 2021).). Potential topics encompass, but are not confined to, the following:

• Mitigating the environmental impact of tourism, such as reducing the carbon footprint of transportation, improving energy efficiency in tourism businesses, and reducing waste;
• Improving the social and economic benefits of tourism, including providing new opportunities for employment and education, supporting local communities, and making tourism more accessible to people from all walks of life;
• Making tourism more sustainable in developing countries by providing new opportunities for tourism businesses and helping them to become more sustainable;
• Building resilience to climate change by helping tourism businesses to adapt to changing weather patterns and extreme events;
• Unveiling the synergy between emerging technologies (AI, IoT, and blockchain) and sustainable tourism advancements;
• Formulating strategic frameworks for effortlessly integrating digital tools to optimize resource utilization and mitigate ecological footprints;
• Scrutinizing digital platforms that seamlessly deliver authentic local experiences while upholding cultural heritage sanctity;
• Evaluating the socio-economic ramifications of digital transformation on indigenous communities and local economies;
• Pondering over ethical quandaries entailed in leveraging technology to ensure equitably distributed benefits.

This Special Issue seeks provide an avenue for academic exchange on the potential synergies arising from digital advancement, which will promote the holistic development of the tourism industry by helping them to not only preserve the local heritage but also to adopt more sustainable practices.

References:

Buhalis, D., & Leung, R. (2020). Smart hospitality—Interconnectivity and interoperability towards an ecosystem. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 85, 102354.

Buitrago-Salcedo, M. J., Zapata-Aguilar, J. M., & Medina-Muñoz, A. I. (2021). The role of digital technologies in sustainable tourism destination management. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 29(1), 1-19.

Chen, M., & Hu, Y. (2020). The application and future of AI in hospitality and tourism. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 32(6), 2127-2141.

O'Rourke, T. J., Sullivan, P., & Kline, C. (2019). Digital platforms, development, and the hospitality sector. Current Issues in Tourism, 22(11), 1287-1304.

Rodrigues, V., Eusébio, C., Breda, Z., O'Connor, M., Weaver, D., Zhang, L., ... & Medina-Muñoz, A. I. (2020). Digital transformation and sustainable tourism: A research agenda. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 28(1), 1-17.

Zhang, L., & O'Connor, M. (2022). The impact of digital technologies on sustainable tourism: A systematic review. Tourism Management, 108, 104155.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Albert Barreda
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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• digital transformation
• sustainable tourism
• business innovation
• technology adoption
• customer experience
• environmental conservation
• socio-cultural preservation
• economic viability
• environmental and social impact
• economic impact