This book presents state-of-the-art research into the application of information and communication technologies to travel and tourism. The range of topics covered is broad, encompassing digital marketing and social media, mobile computing and web design, semantic technologies and recommender systems, augmented and virtual reality, electronic distribution and online travel reviews, MOOC and eLearning, eGovernment, and the sharing economy. There is a particular focus on the development of digital strategies, the impact of big data, and the digital economy. In addition to the description of research advances and innovative ideas, readers will find a number of informative industrial case studies. The contents of the book are based on the 2017 ENTER eTourism conference, held in Rome. The volume will be of interest to all academics and practitioners who wish to keep abreast of the latest developments in eTourism.

This book provides an extensive, up-to-date overview of the ways in which information and communication technologies (ICTs) can be used to develop tourism and hospitality. The coverage encompasses a wide variety of topics within the field, including virtual reality, sharing economy and peer-to-peer accommodation, social media use, hotel technology, big data, robotics, and recommendation systems, to name but a few. The content is based on the 2019 ENTER eTourism conference, organized in Nicosia, Cyprus by the International Federation for Information Technologies and Travel & Tourism (IFITT) – the leading independent global community for the discussion, exchange, and development of knowledge on the use and impact of new ICTs in the travel and tourism industry. The book offers a global perspective and rich source of information on important innovations and novel ideas. Though it will prove especially valuable for academics working in the eTourism field, it will also be of considerable interest to practitioners and students.

​The papers presented in this volume advance the state of the art in social media and Web 2.0, electronic tourism marketing, web site and search engine optimization, technology adoption and diffusion, online communities, tourism management and decision support, eLearning, mobile technologies and applications in tourism, recommender systems, e-intermediaries and networks in tourism, customer research in e-tourism and user generated content. The volume collects research papers of prominent scholars from around the world with a disciplinary background in the fields of social or computer sciences. The book covers the most significant topics within the study field of electronic tourism and addresses both, academics and practitioners interested in the latest advances in the electronic travel and tourism domain.

The papers presented in this volume advance the state-of-the-art research on social media and Web 2.0, electronic tourism marketing, website development and evaluation, search engine marketing and optimization, IT adoption and diffusion, virtual travel communities, mobile technologies, management information systems in tourism, eLearning, recommender systems for tourism businesses and destinations and electronic distribution for hospitality and travel products. This book covers the most significant topics contributed by prominent scholars from around the world and is suitable for both academics and practitioners who are interested in the latest developments in e-Tourism.

Gathering the outcomes of the 27th annual international eTourism conference ENTER2020, this book presents new research, innovative systems and industry case studies on the application of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in travel and tourism. It shares the latest findings discussed at the conference and highlights various topics within the field, including social media, destination marketing, recommender systems and decision-making, virtual and augmented reality, technology in tourism, and research on hotels and activities. Readers will find a wealth of state-of-the-art insights and ideas on how information and communication technologies can be applied in travel and tourism.

Sustainable development is a highly topical issue and is of critical importance to tourism as the environment is of utmost importance for the continued development and prosperity of the industry. There have been numerous texts written on sustainable tourism and the measures to mitigate and manage this but none which acknowledges Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) as a mechanism of doing so despite being an emerging area of research. ICT in this context refers to innovative tools which form an integrated system of software and networked equipment that facilitates data processing information sharing communication and the ability to search and select from an existing range of products and services for an organisation’s benefits. Despite the symbiotic relationship, which exists between ICT and sustainable tourism, there has been little research, which has considered how the use of such technology can be used to make sustainable tourism development a more workable reality. This opportune book is the first to provide a focus on the interrelationship of these two important topics demonstrating their synergies and providing insight into a new and innovative approach to managing sustainable tourism development. It considers the use of technology to reduce the negative impacts of tourism from both the demand and supply side perspectives. A critical review of a range of cutting edge technologies used by tourists and businesses to assess their usefulness in managing sustainable tourism development from the macro to the micro level is also discussed. It further integrates examples and practical applications to show how ICT can be an invaluable mechanism in the management of sustainable tourism development. This cutting-edge volume provides a wealth of information on an important yet neglected subject. This book will be invaluable reading for students, researchers, academics and members of the tourism industry looking for new and innovate ways of fostering a more sustainable tourism industry.

This book addresses the digitization of all processes and value chains in the tourism, travel, hospitality and catering industries. By exploring the new technological trends it provides a solid basis for analysing the impacts of the Information Communication Technology (ICT) revolution on the tourism industry. The book adopts a strategic management and marketing perspective for tourism enterprises and destinations. It suggests that ETourism revolutionizes all business processes, the entire value chain as well as the strategic relationships of tourism organizations with all their stakeholders. It additionally focuses on how ICTs are employed in airlines, hotels, travel agencies, tour operators and destinations management organizations. The book demonstrates that tourism ICTs increasingly determine the competitiveness of the organization, and therefore, they are critical for the competitiveness of the industry in the longer term. The book is aimed at advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students in business, tourism and hospitality programmes that need to explore how they can use ICTs in a strategic context. It is also anticipated that researchers and practitioners will find it useful and stimulating. Features and benefits: Strategic perspective demonstrates the contribution of ICTs to the competitiveness of tourism organizations and destinations A wealth of international examples ensure global application and relevance Extensive use of case studies and illustrative examples demonstrate the link between theory and real world tourism situations Discussion topics encourage students to analyse further the information covered Extensive bibliography and further reading encourage more advanced study Associated website featuring up-to-date FT articles and power point slides create a comprehensive teaching and learning package. Dr Dimitrios Buhalis is Course Leader of the MSc in eTourism and Director of the Centre for eTourism Research (CeTR) at the University of Surrey. He is also Adjunct Professor at the Institut de Management Hotelier International (Cornell University - ESSEC Business School) in Paris. He serves as Vice President of the International Federation of Information Technology and Tourism (IFITT) and has chaired several ENTER conferences. He regularly works as adviser for the World Tourism Organisation, the World Tourism and Travel Council and the European Commission.