Shaping a View on the Influence of Technologies on Sustainable Tourism

Sandra Maria Correia Loureiro and Jorge Nascimento
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Sandra Maria Correia Loureiro: Business Research Unit (BRU-IUL), ISCTE—Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, 1649-026 Lisboa, Portugal
Jorge Nascimento: Business Research Unit (BRU-IUL), ISCTE—Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, 1649-026 Lisboa, Portugal

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 22, 1-18

Abstract: To date, tourism is the fastest growing industry globally, but one of the least developed in terms of environmentally sustainable practices. However, only a small portion of documents elaborate on how the introduction of new technologies can impact a more sustainable development route for tourism. This study’s objective is to provide an overview on literature state-of-the-art related to sustainable tourism and technological innovations, offering insights for further advancing this domain. We employ a bibliometric analysis and a comprehensive review of 139 articles, collected from Web of Science and Scopus databases, for the purpose of: (i) exploring and discussing the most relevant contributions in the publication network: (ii) highlighting key issues and emerging topics; (iii) uncovering open questions for the future. Our findings reveal contradictory views on the risks and benefits of technology adoption. Artificial intelligence, internet of things, circular economy, big data, augmented and virtual reality emerge as major trends. Five work streams are identified and described, leading to a broader perspective on how technology can shape the future of sustainable tourism. Relevant theoretical and managerial implications are derived. Finally, a research agenda is proposed as guidance for future studies addressing the outcomes of digital disruption on sustainable tourism.

Keywords: bibliometric analysis; eco-tourism; sustainability; tourism; artificial intelligence; virtual reality; augmented reality; research agenda; future trends (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:22:p:12691-:d:680622

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