University of South Florida (USF) M3 Publishing

The dual aspect of technology in tourism: Social contradictions surrounding the sharing economy and smart destination development

Miha Bratec, University of PrimorskaFollow
Marco A. Celdran Bernabeu, University of AlicanteFollow
Dejan Krizaj, University of PrimorskaFollow
Josep Ivars-Baidal, University of AlicanteFollow
Ana B. C. Diaz, University of AlicanteFollow
Peter Kopic, University of PrimorskaFollow
Tadej Rogelja, University of PrimorskaFollow

Abstract

OVERVIEW

The technology and the rise of Web 2.0. enabled the meteoric rise of peer-to-peer (P2P) platforms facilitating transactions and consequential establishment of the sharing economy concept. This accelerated technological change has led to new dynamics in cities and tourist destinations such as over-tourism with the so-called arise of the sharing economy significantly fueling it. The main purpose of our chapter is to systematically review this dual aspect of technological impacts on tourism. On the one hand, we review the technological aspects that underpin the development of the sharing economy and consequential over-tourism in destinations. On the other hand, we consider aspects that seem to be promising to provide solutions and make the currently rather idealistic ideas of smart and socially sustainable destinations also work in practice. As such the chapter critically addresses and connects diverse concepts that are interrelated, but rarely discussed together.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After completing this chapter, the student will be able to:

Understand the impact of technological advancements on the development of tourism.
Explain how technology has fueled the rise of the sharing and platform economy.
Analyze the impacts of the sharing economy on the population in tourist destinations.
Evaluate how the sharing economy contributes to over-tourism.
Describe the creation of smart cities and smart destinations.
Identify the current problems and achievements associated with smart destinations.
Examine the relationship between smart tourism and social inequalities.
Discuss Europe’s plans for further developing smart tourism in its leading tourist destinations.

DOI

https://www.doi.org/10.5038/9781732127593

Recommended Citation

Bratec, M., Celran Bernabeu, M. A., Krizaj, D., Ivars-Baidal, J., Casado Diaz, A. B., Kopic, P., & Rogelja, T. (2021). The dual aspect of technology in tourism: Social contradictions surrounding the sharing economy and smart destination development. In C. Cobanoglu, S. Dogan, K. Berezina, & G. Collins (Eds.), Hospitality & tourism information technology (pp. 1–25). USF M3 Publishing. https://www.doi.org/10.5038/9781732127593