Strategic Use of Information Technologies in Tourism : A Review and Critique

• The impact of information and communication technologies (ICTs) on firms’strategic development and value creation has been a topic of academic debatefor decades. Tourism is no exception. This chapter provides a synthesis ofthe literature on the strategic decision to adopt and use ICTs as well as ananalysis of their impact on the value creation of tourism firms. We reflecton theoretical frameworks and analytical concepts developed and validated bytourism scholars, their implications for ICT use, and the factors affecting therealization of ICT-enhanced business value. Problems of measurement, analysis,and organizational adjustments appear as major factors behind volatile ICTproductivity in tourism, known as the ICT Productivity Paradox. To ensure the realization of ICT-enhanced business value, various adjustment strategies,including the development of firms’ capabilities, cultures, and organizationalstructures, are addressed. The discussion section critically assesses the reviewedliterature on the strategic use of ICTs in tourism. Finally, the conclusion deducesresearch needs and sketches an agenda for future research.

Subject headings

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Ekonomi och näringsliv (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Economics and Business (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Strategic ICT use

ICT impact

ICT productivity paradox

organizational adjustment

critical recview

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

kap (subject category)