eTourism: ICT and its role for tourism management

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto Pierdicca ◽  
Marina Paolanti ◽  
Emanuele Frontoni
Keyword(s):  
Communication System ◽  
Content Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tourism Management ◽  
Tourism Sector ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Ict System ◽  
The Creation ◽  
Ict Infrastructure ◽  
Real Scenario

PurposeThis paper aims to present innovative information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure specifically designed and optimized for the tourism sector. The case presented, “La Valle del Pensare lungo il corso del Potenza”, has been conceived with the aim of providing a digital infrastructure to ten municipalities in the Marche Region (Italy), nestled among the valley of the Potenza River. This research project is aimed at developing an important communication system that facilitates the tourist routes of mining attractions and specific thematic routes across the territory, promoting historical centers, cultural heritage, green areas and interesting places.Design/methodology/approach“La Valle del Pensare” information system has the main feature of being scalable and multi-purpose, as the contents can be managed and conveyed through the website, app mobile, totem touch screen and standard tourist signage. It is integrated and modular and allows to manage multiple information, ensuring an interoperable and multi-channel approach. It is designed for small municipalities in the province of Macerata to connect the territory’s resources and activities through a network.FindingsThis work represents an important communication system, i.e. innovative ICT infrastructure that facilitates the tourist routes of mining attractions and specific thematic routes across the territory. Thanks to the collection of user-generated data, the platform allows monitoring of usage statistics and performances. In this way, the municipalities can infer useful information about user’s preferences and needs. The paper also discusses how “La Valle del Pensare” gives identity to the territory, which is not identified as a simple summation of the Common, but as a recognizable system that intends to implement the level of competitiveness through the creation of a real territorial logo able to identify vocations and specificity of the Valley of the Potenza.Originality/valueThe value of the project lies in the ICT system, able to convey information at different scales, providing the users with updated contents; at the same time, administrations can constantly monitor its performances, being able to infer useful information about tourists’ needs, habits and preferences. The main contributions are the creation of a single cloud-based architecture for the management of multiple multi- media contents, to be exploited in various platforms; the design of a unique content management system used by several small municipalities of a same territory; the monitoring user’s preferences and needs by collecting users’ generated data; and the analysis of meaningful statistics about the tourists, tested and verified in real scenario with real users.

How to create a human communication system

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 314-329 ◽  
Author(s):  
Casey J. Lister ◽  
Nicolas Fay
Keyword(s):  
Theoretical Model ◽  
Communication System ◽  
Communication Systems ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Human Communication ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sign Systems ◽  
The Creation ◽  
Interactive Feedback ◽  
Single Modality

Following a synthesis of naturalistic and experimental studies of language creation, we propose a theoretical model that describes the process through which human communication systems might arise and evolve. Three key processes are proposed that give rise to effective, efficient and shared human communication systems: (1) motivated signs that directly resemble their meaning facilitate cognitive alignment, improving communication success; (2) behavioral alignment onto an inventory of shared sign-to-meaning mappings bolsters cognitive alignment between interacting partners; (3) sign refinement, through interactive feedback, enhances the efficiency of the evolving communication system. By integrating the findings across a range of diverse studies, we propose a theoretical model of the process through which the earliest human communication systems might have arisen and evolved. Importantly, because our model is not bound to a single modality it can describe the creation of shared sign systems across a range of contexts, informing theories of language creation and evolution.

scholarly journals Leveraging inter-tourists interactions via chatbots to bridge academia, tourism industries and future societies

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Davide Calvaresi ◽  
Ahmed Ibrahim ◽  
Jean-Paul Calbimonte ◽  
Emmanuel Fragniere ◽  
Roland Schegg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tourism Sector ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Tourism And Hospitality ◽  
Multi Stakeholder

PurposeThe tourism and hospitality sectors are experiencing radical innovation boosted by the advancements in Information and Communication Technologies. Increasingly sophisticated chatbots are introducing novel approaches, re-shaping the dynamics among tourists and service providers, and fostering a remarkable behavioral change in the overall sector. Therefore, the objective of this paper is two-folded: (1) to highlight the academic and industrial standing points with respect to the current chatbots designed/deployed in the tourism sector and (2) to develop a proof-of-concept embodying the most prominent opportunities in the tourism sector.Design/methodology/approachThis work elaborates on the outcomes of a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and a Focus Group (FG) composed of experts from the tourism industry. Moreover, it presents a proof-of-concept relying on the outcomes obtained from both SLR and FG. Eventually, the proof-of-concept has been tested with experts and practitioners of the tourism sector.FindingsAmong the findings elicited by this paper, we can mention the quick evolution of chatbot-based solutions, the need for continuous investments, upskilling, system innovation to tackle the eTourism challenges and the shift toward new dimensions (i.e. tourist-to-tourist-to-chatbot and personalized multi-stakeholder systems). In particular, we focus on the need for chatbot-based activity and thematic aggregation for next-generation tourists and service providers.Originality/valueBoth academic- and industrial-centered findings have been structured and discussed to foster the practitioners' future research. Moreover, the proof-of-concept presented in the paper is the first of its kind, which raised considerable interest from both technical and business-planning perspectives.

A comprehensive framework for Internet of Things development

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-50
Author(s):  
Kimia Ghaffari ◽  
Mohammad Lagzian ◽  
Mostafa Kazemi ◽  
Gholamreza Malekzadeh
Keyword(s):  
Internet Of Things ◽  
Theoretical Perspective ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Development Effort ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Holistic View ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technological Readiness ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Ict Infrastructure

Purpose Despite the availability of prior studies on the Internet of Things (IoT) development, they have largely focused on challenges associated with evolving IoT. Hence, identifying requirements for IoT development, as a multifaceted phenomenon, whereby the challenges would be tackled remains a less-explored valuable line of inquiry. The purpose of this paper is to present a holistic view of crucial building blocks of IoT development, in order to fill this gap. Design/methodology/approach This paper conducts empirical research using a grounded theory (GT), centering on semi-structured interviews with 25 experts involved in the Iranian IoT development effort. Data were analyzed by using MAXQDA software. Findings This study presents a conceptual framework of requirements for IoT development, consisting of 14 concepts and 5 categories. The findings reveal that strategic, interactive, institutional, market-oriented and information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure requirements play a salient role in facilitating IoT development. Practical implications The findings of this study shed some light on the momentous aspects of IoT development. Practitioners including governmental policymakers, industry and private sectors could benefit from the policy recommendations offered in this study in terms of strategic viewpoint, legal issues, business perspective and technological readiness. Originality/value From the methodological aspect, the present research is among the first studies on utilizing GT for exploration of requirements for IoT development. From the theoretical perspective, a remarkable achievement of this study is to profoundly discover some less-explored concepts of IoT development such as commercialization, feasibility study, futurology and institutional aspects. Furthermore, findings of this study highlight the contribution of innovation systems theory for the IoT development area in terms of alignment of the emerged requirements for IoT development with the functions of this theory.

The influence of risks on the outturn cost of ICT infrastructure network projects

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Khalid Almarri ◽  
Halim Boussabaine ◽  
Hamad Al Nauimi
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Data Networks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Infrastructure Network ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Project Risks ◽  
High Speed Data ◽  
Ict Infrastructure ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Network Project

Purpose The internet of things (IoT) is becoming an increasingly inescapable part of society. IoT paradigm cannot function without the networking infrastructure. High-speed data networks are essential to enable the IoT future. Thus, the purpose of this study is on the identification of risks that influence the development, installation and operation of information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure network project cost outcomes. So far, there has been little attention has been paid to risks problems in these types of IoT enabling projects. Design/methodology/approach This research follows a quantitative analysis approach. Data for this study were collected by a survey from 209 professionals. Multiple regression analysis was used to model the relationship between risks and outturn cost of infrastructure needed to enable the operation of IoT technologies. Findings The main risk factors that were identified were planning and development, people and management, operations, technology and hardware. Research limitations/implications This research has expanded the existing literature by documenting and clustering ICT infrastructure network project risks into themes, and has developed a scale (risk statements) for measuring such risks. Further, the research has advanced the understanding by identifying the most likely risks that will contribute to the overrun of these projects. Originality/value This research establishes a reliable regression method for the assessment of the risks that influence the development, installation and operation of ICT infrastructure network projects outturn cost. No other research has measured or studied the risks in this type of project.

Analysis of barriers to sustainable tourism management in a protected area

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 1956-1976 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nidhi Yadav ◽  
Naresh Chandra Sahu ◽  
Dukhabandhu Sahoo ◽  
Devendra K. Yadav
Keyword(s):  
Protected Area ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Sustainable Tourism ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tourism Management ◽  
Tourism Sector ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Indian Scenario ◽  
Modelling Approach

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the barriers to sustainable tourism management (STM) implementation in a protected area (PA) of a developing country, India, by taking a case study of National Chambal Sanctuary (NCS).Design/methodology/approachThis study develops a framework to analyse the interaction among a set of barriers of STM using the interpretive structural modelling approach.FindingsIn this study, 16 relevant barriers responsible for the failure of STM in Indian scenario have been selected. The lack of coordination among various stakeholders and the lack of government incentives are found as the most significant barriers among the selected barriers of STM implementation in the sanctuary.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides most influencing barriers and how these barriers hinder the sustainability efforts in NCS. The study’s main limitation is its generalisation. The problems in implementing sustainable practices may differ with the region.Practical implicationsThis study provides strong practical inferences to both practitioners as well as academicians. The practitioners are suggested to focus on identified barriers and formulating strategies to achieve sustainability in the tourism sector. Academicians may propose the solutions and necessary interventions for identified barriers.Originality/valueIdentification and presentation of barriers to STM implementation in the context of a PA are rare to find in literature.

scholarly journals Digital entrepreneurship in a resource-scarce context

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 483-500 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Zisuh Ngoasong
Keyword(s):  
Small Businesses ◽  
Strategic Decisions ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Digital Competencies ◽  
Ict Infrastructure ◽  
Post Entry ◽  
Context Specific ◽  
Digital Entrepreneurship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to critically explore how context as an antecedent to entrepreneurial digital competencies (EDCs) influences digital entrepreneurship in a resource-scarce environment. Design/methodology/approach The data comprises semi-structured interviews with 16 digital entrepreneurs, as owner-managers of small digital businesses in Cameroon. Findings The results reveal the ways in which EDCs shape the entry (or start-up) choices and post-entry strategic decisions of digital entrepreneurs in response to context-specific opportunities and challenges associated with digital entrepreneurship. Research limitations/implications The data comes from one African country and 16 digital businesses thus the research setting limits the generalisability of the results. Practical implications This paper highlights important implications for encouraging digital entrepreneurship by focussing on institutional, technology and local dimensions of context and measures to develop the entrepreneurial and digital competencies. This includes policy interventions to develop the information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, transport and local distribution infrastructure, and training opportunities to develop the EDCs of digital entrepreneurs. Originality/value Whereas the capabilities to adopt and use ICTs and the internet by small businesses have been examined, this is among the first theoretically sensitised study linking context, EDCs and digital entrepreneurship.

scholarly journals Use of ICT and Develepoment of Tourism Sector in Albania

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (25) ◽  
pp. 138
Author(s):  
Luan Bekteshi ◽  
Jonida Bekteshi
Keyword(s):  
Business Processes ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Quality Of Services ◽  
Tourism Sector ◽  
Level Of Use ◽  
New Business ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
The Creation ◽  
Competitive Economy

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is increasingly playing an important role in developing a competitive economy based on knowledge and innovation. Use of ICT enables the provision of a higher quality of citizen’s life; it helps ease and efficiency of business processes and increase the efficiency and transformation of management. The use of ICT in different sectors of the Albanian economy has begun to be realized rapidly, improving economic and financial performance and expanding the range of services that are offered to users. ICT has been used massively also a sector which in Albania brings an important impact on GDP it is the tourism sector, however, it is noted that the use of ICT in this sector is at levels lower than in other countries of Europe as well as the region. The use of ICT and the Internet in the tourism sector in the world but also in Albania has enabled the creation of a new business environment, the global distribution of information as a very important element for the tourism sector and the creation of new channels of distribution, transforming the tourism sector globally. The tourism sector in Albania, which is competing strongly from neighboring countries after the period of its establishment and strengthening, currently faces the challenge of the massive use of ICT in the provision of information and the enhancement of services for its clients. The purpose of this paper is to evidence the level of use of ICT in the tourism sector in Albania, and based on analysis of data collected, presents recommendations on the use of ICT in the sector, aimed at increasing performance, expanding services and improving the quality of services provided to customers.

scholarly journals Information and communication technologies and human resources in hospitality and tourism

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (11) ◽  
pp. 3545-3579
Author(s):  
Reyes Gonzalez ◽  
Jose Gasco ◽  
Juan Llopis
Keyword(s):  
Human Resources ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Academic Field ◽  
Tourism Sector ◽  
Information And Communication

Purpose ICTs play a key role in the tourism sector, influencing the labor context among other things. Hence, the purpose of this study: a review of the literature in which the topics of tourism, ICTs and human resources converge through an analysis of the articles published in the relevant journals, which are included in the Web of Science. Design/methodology/approach The 60 articles analyzed – published over a period of 31 years – were studied according to several criteria such as research methodology, statistical techniques used, topics dealt with, technologies addressed, authors and countries. Findings The topics under study were divided into four broad areas – technology and employees, technology and HR processes, technology and results and technology and organizational structure – the first, which focuses on how employees behave in relation to technology, received the most attention. Research limitations/implications The literature review was confined to articles on the topics of tourism, ICTs and human resources published in 73 academic journals, leaving aside other research sources, e.g. books and papers presented at conferences. This study can be useful both in the academic field and for tourism firm managers – especially those in ICT and human resources. Originality/value Although there are several previous reviews of the literature on human resource management and ICTs in the tourism sector, none of them has jointly examined these three topics.

scholarly journals Meeting the needs of the Millennials and Generation Z: gamification in tourism through geocaching

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather Skinner ◽  
David Sarpong ◽  
Gareth R.T. White
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Generation Z ◽  
Tourism Sector ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Conceptual Paper ◽  
Tourism Destinations ◽  
New Generation ◽  
Rich Side

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual framework based on an understanding of the principles of popular mobile-enabled games, indicating how organisations in the tourism sector could meet the needs of Millennials and Generation Z through engaging with the existing gamified location-based practice of geocaching as an information and communication technology enabled gamified enhancement to the destination experience.Design/methodology/approachAs a primarily conceptual paper, the authors take an inductive qualitative approach to theory building based on the understanding of an existing practice (geocaching) that is undertaken among a community of practitioners (geocachers), which results in the presentation of a conceptual framework, which is the theory itself that the authors have constructed from the understanding of what is going on and which principles can then be applied across other tourism practices.FindingsFindings indicate that through engaging with geocaching, smaller entrepreneurial businesses even in non-urban destinations that fall outside of the remit of smart city developments, and in tourism destinations on the less technologically enabled or resource-rich side of the digital divide, can reap the benefits associated with employing the principles and practices associated with smart tourism to meet the needs of this new generation of tourism consumers who seek richer digital and often gamified tourism experiences.Originality/valueThis paper fills a gap in the literature regarding the way many different types of tourism destinations could meet the needs of Millennials and Generation Z tourists.

scholarly journals ICT and the future of tourist management

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 228-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Hughes ◽  
Gianna Moscardo
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Design Thinking ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Paradigm Shifts ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tourism Management ◽  
Emerging Trends ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
The Way

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to speculate how recent and emerging trends in information and communication technology (ICT) could change the way tourism businesses and organizations communicate with and manage their guests. Design/methodology/approach This paper applies elements of futures and design thinking to analyze current tourism management practices and identify critical touchpoints that link tourist decisions to management strategies. Findings Fictional travel stories were used to identify and analyze how technology might affect tourism through five touchpoints– choice, connection, co-creation, customization and compliance. These stories were analyzed to identify changing forces and suggest potential paradigm shifts that tourism managers need to consider. These included increasingly complex content, the importance of compatible connections, and the critical role of coordination and cooperation in future tourism systems. Originality/value While there have been numerous discussions of how tourists and tourism businesses access and use technology, there is little evidence of scholars and practitioners applying formal futures thinking to ICT and tourism. This paper used design thinking and stories to predict and illustrate ways in which technology could be embedded into tourism experiences and services. It suggests that technology can, and probably will, fundamentally change the way in which we manage tourists and their experiences.

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