ICT in Sustainable Tourism: A Systematic Review

The emergence of sustainable tourism has been seamlessly replacing many facets of traditional tourism. ICT is regarded as an ideal partner to sustainable tourism as it can proficiently disseminate information and services. Several research studies have been conducted to study this synergy. This systematic review aims to investigate the emerging ICT discourse in sustainable tourism using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Relevant articles were searched in the most common databases. Out of 357 articles retrieved, 41 articles were selected for the final analysis based on inclusion-exclusion criteria. MS Excel and Zotero applications were used. It has been observed that most commonly researched topics in ICT in sustainable tourism include GIS, web applications, gaming, Augmented Reality, IoTs and social media. This review identifies a need for a larger body of research focusing on ICT use in sustainable tourism and supports its advancement by identifying future directions

Internet and Consumer behaviour in Travel and Tourism: A European Cross-National Analysis

The emergence of the internet and the development of ICTs have transformed communications and the marketing of products and services. This paper examines the extent to which the internet has penetrated homes in the various EU countries and how online consumers behave in activities linked to travel and tourism. The years 2007 and 2016 were analysed in order to make a comparison over time of the progression of the internet and ICTs among EU citizens and to examine similarities and differences in behaviour patterns in the field of tourism. This study helps confirm a correlation between digitalisation and ICTs in buying habits for tourism products and services, finding that though digital divides between countries are narrowing over time, this is not the case in the use of ICTs in tourism in particular. Our findings indicate divergent behaviour patterns and trends in online travel and accommodation management and in the way that ICTs are used in the European Union

Searching for the role of ICTs in development : a case study of a rural multi-purpose community centre in the Dwars River Valley, South Africa

Bibliography: leaves 94-99.This dissertation examines ICTs and their role in development. It explores a single case study of a rural Multi-Purpose Community Centre in South Africa in an attempt to gain a richer understanding of the issues surrounding the implementation of such centres. The study is socio-technical in nature and is based on a framework composed of interpretivism, hermeneutics and the actor-network theory. Key issues explored include: the affect of ICTs on the emergence of a local champion; the struggle of creating active participants in a project of this nature; and the usefulness of replication models in guiding implementations

Understanding temporal rhythms and travel behaviour at destinations: Potential ways to achieve more sustainable travel

This paper analyses the roles played by time in destination-based travel behaviour. It contrasts clock time's linear view of time with fragmented time, instantaneous time, fluid time and flow, time out and the multiple temporalities of tourism experiences. It explores temporal issues in a destination travel context, using qualitative techniques. Data were captured using diary photography, diary-interview method with tourists at a rural destination; their spatial and temporal patterns were captured using a purpose built smartphone app. The analysis revealed three temporal themes influencing travel behaviour: time fluidity; daily and place-related rhythms; and control of time. Three key messages emerge for future sustainable tourist destination-based travel systems. Given the strong desire for temporal fluidity, transport systems should evolve beyond clock-time regimes. Second, temporal forces favour personal modes of transport (car, walk, cycle), especially in rural areas where public transport cannot offer flexibility. Third, the car is personalised and perceived to optimise travel fluidity and speed, but is currently unsustainable. Imaginative initiatives, using new mobile media technology can offer new positive and proactive car travel, utilising spare public and private vehicle capacity. Research is needed to implement mechanisms for individualised space-time scheduling and collective vehicle use strategies. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC

Value Creation in Smart Destinations. The Case of Manchester

Value co-creation is crucial to the conceptualisation of smart destinations. The integration of smartness in tourist destinations for the co-creation of value can drive innovation and enhance competitiveness. While smart tourism considers the prominent role of data and the advanced ICTs for value creation and innovation, S-D logic and strategic management respectively recognise knowledge and skills as determinant to the integration of resources for value creation and source of competitiveness. The evolving smart tourism destination definition is consistent with the service ecosystem concept. Considering the dynamic and complex nature of value co-creation in a smart ecosystem, an interdisciplinary approach involving the smart tourism, strategic management and S-D logic domains appears to be appropriate. The purpose of this research study is to explore and expand the theoretical and practical understanding of the value creation phenomenon in the smart Oxford Road Corridor of Manchester, from the rare and uncommon supply-side perspective. In the light of the static and codified approach to knowledge and skills, this study adopts a social constructivist stance towards the investigation of inter-organisational knowledge, data sharing and smart ICTs use. In harmony with the interpretive-qualitative paradigm, the holistic single-case study guided the primary data (interviews) and online secondary data (documentary material) collection and analysis. The iterative coding process based on the thematic analysis of all data sustained the conceptualisation of the value creation process through the following major interrelated themes: value creation enablers, value creation components, value creation constraints, addressing (the) constraints, innovation, contextual factors. The critical discussion about the themes helped with the definition of a holistic view of the phenomenon through an integrative framework resulting from the combination of a procedural and structural framework. In addition to the provision of the frameworks to advance understanding of the value creation process in a smart tourism ecosystem, this study has theoretical significance in enriching and expanding the body of knowledge in each and all the theoretical domains. Understanding this value creation process in detail and from a holistic perspective has several practical implications for local stakeholders, city managers and, particularly, data managers, on the ground of the emphasis ascribed to data skills

Sustainable, Smart and Muslim-Friendly Tourist Destinations

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools are perfect for developing tourism. Several countries are making an effort to become smart and sustainable tourist destinations, making it easier for tourists to interact with their environment while at the same time improving the quality of life for local people. There are many studies of this process and the benefits it brings, although most of them approach the subject from a western traveler's point of view. This article aims to study the benefits of being a smart and Muslim-friendly tourist destination. An exploratory study was therefore carried out, including a bibliographical review of over one hundred secondary sources. We analyze the Muslim-friendly online services provided by nine destinations, and one of our principal conclusions is that these online services are of the greatest importance for a destination to be truly Muslim-friendly. We also conclude that such services allow companies to design tailored proposals and promote them through digital channels aimed at Muslim people

Value of Augmented Reality at Cultural Heritage Sites: A Stakeholder Approach

As the pace of Augmented Reality (AR) adoption quickens, cultural heritage sites have begun to focus on the opportunities provided by this new and innovative technology. However, small organizations often fear making large investments in AR without a proof of concept due to the risk of failure. Therefore, it is imperative to explore the perceived value of AR from multiple stakeholders’ perspectives to ensure the long-term viability of technological innovations in small cultural heritage organizations. The present study uses a small museum in the UK to explore the perceived value of the implementation of AR within the museum context using a stakeholder approach. Qualitative data were gathered from twenty-four stakeholders via focus groups and interviews. This case study shows that AR has economic, experiential, social, epistemic, cultural & historical, and educational value from both internal and external stakeholders’ perspectives. AR is considered to be a way to preserve history, enhance visitor satisfaction, generate positive word-of-mouth, attract new target markets and contribute to a positive learning experience. This paper contributes to the knowledge gap in the area of stakeholders’ perceived value of AR for cultural heritage tourism