Tourism and Hospitality for Sustainable Development: Technological Innovations and Development Realities (1)

The tourism and hospitality industry in the 21st century cannot be adequately planned, executed, marketed, managed, or studied without taking into account digital technology and its impact. The Fourth Industrial Revolution provides the framework for sustainable development in this sector. Technology not only increases profitability but also enables the industry to effectively respond to pressing global sustainability challenges such as pandemics, climate change, energy crises, staffing shortages, and hyperinflation. Moreover, technology allows the industry to consider its current and future economic, social, and environmental consequences, addressing the needs of tourists, the industry, the environment, and destinations. However, implementing technology efficiently and ethically is a complex process, and the opportunities, costs, and challenges vary depending on the geopolitical and socio-economic context.

The application of digitalisation and technological innovations have played a significant role in promoting universal design and reasonable accommodation for older adults and individuals with disabilities in both developed and developing countries. These advancements are crucial for the growth of accessible tourism and hospitality. This edited book aims to explore the trends, challenges, and complexities of integrating digitalisation and technology into the tourism and hospitality industry. It also examines the strategic shifts that will shape future research in this area. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research, including theoretical insights, empirical evidence, and evidence-based recommendations. It covers a range of technologies, such as blockchain, robots, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, big data, and analytics. The goal is to understand how these disruptive technologies are being used and their potential impact on various stakeholders, as well as their future possibilities and limitations.

Emmanuel Ndhlovu is a scholar and student of development. His research interests are in peasant and informal sector livelihoods, land reform issues, political economy, digitalisation of industries, and food sovereignty. He holds a PhD in Development Studies from the University of South Africa. At the time of writing, Emmanuel was with the Vaal University of Technology as a postdoc researcher.

Kaitano Dube is an Associate Professor at the Vaal University of Technology under the Ecotourism Management Department. He has successfully hosted five post-doctoral and supervised several Post Graduate Students at the Master’s and PhD Levels. He is a visiting Professor at Emirates Aviation, Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Chandigarh University in India. He holds several editorial and Associate Editorial Positions with several international journals.  His research interests are in tourism, climate change, sustainability and aviation. Prof Dube is a university leader who has served in several senatorial and research roles. He is also a curriculum expert who has shaped programs of several universities in the SADC region and abroad.

 Ngoni Courage Shereni is a Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the School of Tourism and Hospitality at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa. He holds a PhD in Tourism and Hospitality Management from the University of Johannesburg. His research interests are in sustainable tourism, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), climate change, tourism education, disruptive technology, urban tourism, tourism exhibitions, community-based tourism (CBT), and community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) practices.