Technology in tourism-from information communication technologies to eTourism and smart tourism towards ambient intelligence tourism: a perspective article

Abstract

Purpose

Technology revolutionises the tourism industry and determines the strategy and competitiveness of tourism organisations and destinations. This paper aims to explore the transformational and disruptive nature of technology for tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on systematic research.

Findings

Technology innovations bring the entire range of stakeholders together in tourism service ecosystems. Technology-empowered tourism experiences increasingly support travellers to co-create value throughout all stages of travel. Ambient Intelligence (AmI) Tourism (2020-future) is driven by a range of disruptive technologies. Inevitably smart environments transform industry structures, processes and practices, having disruptive impacts for service innovation, strategy, management, marketing and competitiveness of everybody involved.

Originality/value

The paper synthesises developments in technology for tourism and proposes a future perspective.

Citation

Buhalis, D. (2020), "Technology in tourism-from information communication technologies to eTourism and smart tourism towards ambient intelligence tourism: a perspective article", Tourism Review, Vol. 75 No. 1, pp. 267-272. https://doi.org/10.1108/TR-06-2019-0258