Trends in the development of educational tourism

Educational tourism (edu-tourism) is gaining popularity as e new trend in the global tourism industry. He is under-researched in the literature. There is a lack of consensus regarding the nature and scope of educational tourism as a theoretical concept and market segment. Through the review and synthesis of current definitions of educational tourism, a new definition is offered. The publication presents an alternative process-driven and outcomes-based model of educational tourism. The concept of this type of tourism is broad in scope and it has been constantly changing. This article is focused on: the essence of edu-tourism; his characteristics and major types; trends and prospects in its development. Through a critical literature review of research over the last three decades, the article aims to present an actual conceptual framework of educational tourism. The potential for future directions of the sector in Bulgaria ishighlighted

Sustainable forms of smart tourism

The improvement of technology makes smart devices and their applications in travel and tourism industry ever more popular and complex. Tourism require a variety of services and products. This diversity results in a multitude of smart applications and smart tourist systems designed to enhance visitor's experience and satisfaction while traveling. This article presents and briefly discusses the concept of smart tourism in the scientific literature and the way it can be applied for sustainable destinations. Some important difficulties and challenges of smart tourism are discussed

Potential for applying open innovations in tourism

For more than a decade the so-called “open innovations” attract the attention of academic circles and business. In the modern competitive and dynamically developing tourism it is of paramount importance for companies to be innovative and use diversely the potential for updating their products and services. The goal of this article is on the ground of a theoretical characterization of open innovations to determine their particularities and present variants for applying them in the sector of tourism. The paradigm of open innovations in tourism is based on the understanding that innovative processes are put in practice not only in the framework of tourist companies, but they also integrate a number of subjects from the outside in order to increase the potential of innovations and changes. The success of open innovations depends on the abilities of tourist companies to create effective networks with other stakeholders: suppliers, partners, clients, institutions, non-governmental organizations and others

Applied aspects of blockchain technology in travel and tourism industry

Blockchain technology is in the early stage of its development, but there’s consensus about its potential. The technology is at an inflection point, with momentum shifting from “blockchain tourism” and exploration to the building of practical business applications. Tourism industry and blockchain have the possibility to become a powerful combination as the technology can bring safety and transparency of transactions. This article aims to examine the features of blockchain as an innovative technology and to present its more important advantages and applied aspects in the field of tourism. There are a growing number of emerging disruptors across travel industry, challenging traditional business models with the use of blockchain. Given some of the blockchain technology’s characteristics and possibilities, this article is pointed towards important applications within the tourism

Incentive programmes as a tool for promoting tourism in Bulgaria

Incentive (stimulating) programmes for travelling demonstrate recognition of the achievement of a company’s employees through the opportunities for gathering tourist experience in interesting and attractive destination. Results from surveys reveal that 65% of the employees claim that they appreciate incentive travels more than any other form of reward and these travels are remembered longer than financial rewards. The goal set in this publication is: on the ground of a theoretical characteristic of the nature and specifics of the programmes for incentive travels to define and analyze the relevant trends in the industry and to make suggestions for improving and developing the stimulating travels in Bulgaria. Those travel programmes for reward and acknowledgment are not only an effective form of reward, they are also an intelligent investment with a considerable strategic potential for increasing the attractiveness of Bulgaria as a destination for incentive tourism

Assessment of domestic and outbound tourism in Bulgaria – 2022 tourist season

The goal of the article is, through an analysis of the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on the trips of Bulgarians, to formulate conclusions and recommendations for the development of domestic and outbound tourism. The object of the research is the travels of Bulgarian citizens aged 15 and over on the territory of the country and visits within the scope of passive tourism for the period 2019 - 2022. The subject of the research refers to the leading categories and forms of tourism in accordance with the recommendations of the UNWTO. Methods of situational and comparative analysis, induction and deduction, analysis and synthesis, statistical methods and expert assessments are used in the article

E-tourism: Definition, development and conceptual framework

E-Tourism is an objective reality. Its dynamics and fast-accelerating development cause significant change to the traditional model of the classical tourism system. The creation of an e-tourism system is a logical sequence of the digitalization of all processes in the value chain of the travel and tourism industry. The purpose of the article is, based on analysis of the factors and conditions of emergence and development of e-tourism, to construct and perform a conceptual framework of an e-tourism system. Specialized sources of secondary data have been studied and conceptual basis of the theoretical framework has been defined. E-tourism is identified as a process and key characteristics of its nature have been performed. The following research methods and scientific approach have been applied: theoretical exploratory approach; systematic and chronological approach; systematic screening of academic publications; analysis and synthesis; content analysis. The result of the scientific research is construction of a conceptual (theoretical) framework of the e-tourism system, introducing basic groups (subsystems) and integrated components and identifying the specific interactions between them

THE ELECTRONIC COMMERCE IN THE TRAVEL AGENCIES’ ACTIVITIES IN BULGARIA AND TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR ITS ELABORATION

The data used in the paper and the sources of information studied, show regaining of the positions and the role of travel agencies in the distribution system of tourism. The main trends and special features of the European on-line tourist market have been analyzed, as well as the state of the electronic commerce in travel agencies in Bulgaria. Alternatives and values-generating strategies for the intermediary business through efficient use of the advantages of е-commerce have been pointed out.Internet; travel agencies; electronic commerce; value

IMPROVING THE DISTRIBUTION OF BULGARIAN SEASIDE HOLIDAY HOTELS

This report aims at viewing and analysing the trends and changes in the channels for distribution of tourist products. The specific features of modern hotel management together with the tasks in the process of distribution of hotel products have been presented. Applying the systematic approach a model for distribution of Bulgarian seaside holiday hotels has been put forward.distribution; hotel management; trends; online marketing;