The role of digital transformation in business and its impact on sustainable development goals (sdgs) in the tourism sector

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37497/sdgs.v5igoals.10

Keywords:

Customer Relationship Management, Digital business, Environmental Responsibility, Sustainable Development Goals, Resilient Tourism Sector

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this paper is to examine the role of digital transformation in enhancing sustainability within the tourism industry and its impact on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study aims to analyze how digital technologies can foster economic growth, social inclusivity, and environmental responsibility, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and resilient tourism sector.

Method: The research employs a comprehensive literature review methodology, drawing on case studies, industry reports, and empirical evidence. Key areas of focus include the integration of digital tools in tourism operations, such as online booking platforms, customer relationship management systems, data analytics, and Internet of Things (IoT) applications. The study also explores the application of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), blockchain technology, and smart destination management in promoting sustainable tourism practices.

Results: The findings indicate that digital transformation significantly enhances operational efficiency, customer experience, and overall competitiveness in the tourism industry. Digital technologies enable data-driven decision-making, efficient resource management, and real-time monitoring of environmental impacts. The integration of digital platforms promotes eco-friendly practices, supports financial inclusion through digital payments, and facilitates stakeholder engagement. Moreover, virtual tourism and AR/VR technologies provide immersive experiences that reduce the environmental impact of physical travel while educating tourists about conservation and sustainability.

Conclusions: Digital transformation is a powerful tool for advancing sustainability in the tourism sector. By leveraging digital technologies, businesses can align their operations with the SDGs, promoting responsible consumption, reducing environmental impact, and fostering inclusive economic growth. The study underscores the importance of a balanced approach where digital transformation drives economic benefits while ensuring social and environmental responsibility. Collaboration among stakeholders, including businesses, governments, and local communities, is essential for creating a sustainable and resilient tourism industry. The ongoing commitment to innovation and responsible practices will play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable future for the tourism sector.

Author Biography

Mridanish Jha, University Jharkhand – (ICFAI), Ranchi, (India).

Associate Professor. ICFAI University Jharkhand, Ranchi, India

References

Akiama, S., & Spers, R. G. (2024). Circular economy in the steel sector: Future trends and challenges in Brazil. ESG Studies Review, 7(esg), e01621. https://doi.org/10.37497/esg.v7iesg.1621 DOI: https://doi.org/10.37497/esg.v7iesg.1621

Almeida Carlos, E. de. (2024). Exploring ESG integration: A study of Brazilian insurers listed on B3. ESG Studies Review, 7(esg), e01616. https://doi.org/10.37497/esg.v7iesg.1616 DOI: https://doi.org/10.37497/esg.v7iesg.1616

Bhattacharjee, R., & Rroy, A. D. (2024). Artificial intelligence (AI) transforming the financial sector operations. ESG Studies Review, 7(esg), e01624. https://doi.org/10.37497/esg.v7iesg.1624 DOI: https://doi.org/10.37497/esg.v7iesg.1624

Bizarrias, F. S. (2024). Governance and sustainability in developing countries: Intellectual structure, trends, and lessons from Brazil and China. ESG Studies Review, 7(esg), e01618. https://doi.org/10.37497/esg.v7iesg.1618 DOI: https://doi.org/10.37497/esg.v7iesg.1618

Brown, R. C. (2019). Environmental sustainability in tourism: The role of digital innovation. Green Press.

Eduardo, Ê. V. B., Severo, E. A., & Dorion, E. C. H. (2024). Northeast Bank of Brazil’s role in promoting entrepreneurial innovation in family farming through renewable energy financing. ESG Studies Review, 7(esg), e01622. https://doi.org/10.37497/esg.v7iesg.1622 DOI: https://doi.org/10.37497/esg.v7iesg.1622

Ermakova, A., Finogenova, Y., & Subbota, K. (2022). Industry-specific ESG performance: A comparative analysis of Russian companies. Review of SDGs in Emerging Countries, 4(00), e21. https://doi.org/10.37497/2965-7393.SDGs-Countries.v4.n00.21

Farsi, J. Y., Moradi, M., & Zali, M. R. (2020). Influencing corporate entrepreneurship: The role of organizational context in health sector innovation. Review of SDGs in Emerging Countries, 2(00), e50. https://doi.org/10.37497/2965-7393.SDGs-Countries.v2.n00.50

Fiorio, J. F. O. (2022). Electrifying mobility: Analyzing the rise of electric vehicles in São Paulo city. Review of SDGs in Emerging Countries, 4(00), e17. https://doi.org/10.37497/2965-7393.SDGs-Countries.v4.n00.17

Garcia, S. P., & Patel, K. R. (2018). Case studies in sustainable tourism practices. Eco Publishers.

Gibran, S. M., Séllos-Knoerr, V. C. de, & Barbosa, E. V. de S. (2020). Redefining Brazil’s energy future: A zero marginal cost society perspective. Review of SDGs in Emerging Countries, 2(00), e44. https://doi.org/10.37497/2965-7393.SDGs-Countries.v2.n00.44

Guimarães, J. C. F. D., Severo, E. A., & Dorion, E. C. H. (2022). Path to sustainable competitive advantage: Integrating environmental, social, and governance principles in strategic resource management. Review of SDGs in Emerging Countries, 4(00), e26. https://doi.org/10.37497/2965-7393.SDGs-Countries.v4.n00.26

Hair, J. F., Harrison, D., & Risher, J. (2022). Post-pandemic reflections on challenges and opportunities for marketing research in the 21st century. Review of SDGs in Emerging Countries, 4(00), e18. https://doi.org/10.37497/2965-7393.SDGs-Countries.v4.n00.18 DOI: https://doi.org/10.24883/IberoamericanIC.v12i.2022.e0411

Johnson, M. L. (2020). Inclusive tourism: Empowering diverse populations through digital technologies. Journal of Sustainable Development, 15(3), 123-145.

Lima, A. A., & Ribeiro, T. de L. S. (2023). Mapping the evolution of corporate social responsibility: A bibliometric study in applied social sciences. Review of SDGs in Emerging Countries, 5(00), e31. https://doi.org/10.37497/2965-7393.SDGs-Countries.v5.n00.31

Malaguti, J. M. A., & Avrichir, I. (2023). Geographical indications and their impacts on sustainable development: Literature review. Review of SDGs in Emerging Countries, 5(00), e22. https://doi.org/10.37497/2965-7393.SDGs-Countries.v5.n00.22

Machado, M. E. B., Conti, D. de M., Ayarza, J. A. C., & Ferreira da Silva Filho, C. (2024). Enhancing sustainability: Leveraging ESG indicators to evaluate corporate social responsibility policies in Brazil’s agribusiness sector. ESG Studies Review, 7(esg), e01620. https://doi.org/10.37497/esg.v7iesg.1620 DOI: https://doi.org/10.37497/esg.v7iesg.1620

Madaan, G., Kaur, M., & Gowda, K. R. (2023). Business responses towards corporate social responsibility and sustainable development goals during covid-19 pandemic. Review of SDGs in Emerging Countries, 5(00), e23. https://doi.org/10.37497/2965-7393.SDGs-Countries.v5.n00.23 DOI: https://doi.org/10.37497/sdgs.v11i1.309

Noronha, M. E. S. de. (2019). Sustainability in the era of Industry 4.0: Opportunities, challenges, and future directions. Review of SDGs in Emerging Countries, 1(00), e16. https://doi.org/10.37497/2965-7393.SDGs-Countries.v1.n00.16

Noronha, M. E. S. de, Lucena, J. de A. Y., & Souza, L. J. (2024). The challenges for gender diversity and inclusion in the wind energy industry and the ESG perspective of organizations. ESG Studies Review, 7(esg), e01619. https://doi.org/10.37497/esg.v7iesg.1619 DOI: https://doi.org/10.37497/esg.v7iesg.1619

Noronha, M. E. S. de, Lyra, L. U., Souza, L. J., Silva, R. de S. V., & Cahen, F. R. (2023). Navigating the global landscape: Digital competencies in lean internationalization of healthcare startups. Review of SDGs in Emerging Countries, 5(00), e46. https://doi.org/10.37497/2965-7393.SDGs-Countries.v5.n00.46 DOI: https://doi.org/10.37497/ijhmreview.v9i00.334

Prokhorova, Y. (2022). Impact of COVID-19 and war on poverty: A Ukrainian and European perspective. Review of SDGs in Emerging Countries, 4(00), e37. https://doi.org/10.37497/2965-7393.SDGs-Countries.v4.n00.37

Ramão, G. B., Ferraz, R. R. N., & Quoniam, L. (2019). Patent information searching for troubleshooting in hospital care: A technometric study. Review of SDGs in Emerging Countries, 1(00), e47. https://doi.org/10.37497/2965-7393.SDGs-Countries.v1.n00.47

Ribeiro, R. P., Espuny, A. L. G., & Hermes, A. B. M. (2024). Proposal for a method for feasibility analysis and implementation of SDG in Brazilian municipalities. ESG Studies Review, 7(esg), e01573. https://doi.org/10.37497/esg.v7iesg.1573 DOI: https://doi.org/10.37497/esg.v7iesg.1573

Ribeiro, T. de L., & Lima, A. A. de. (2022). Environmental, social and governance (ESG): A bibliometric review study. Review of SDGs in Emerging Countries, 4(00), e27. https://doi.org/10.37497/2965-7393.SDGs-Countries.v4.n00.27

Rusansky, M., van Bellen, H. M., & Machado de Araujo, A. R. (2020). Sustainability of emerging cities in Brazil: A comparative analysis of fiscal indicators and governance. Review of SDGs in Emerging Countries, 2(00), e14. https://doi.org/10.37497/2965-7393.SDGs-Countries.v2.n00.14

Smith, J. A. (2021). Digital transformation in the tourism sector: A sustainable approach. Sustainable Tourism Publications.

Sopilko, I., Zhmur, N., & Masseno, M. D. (2024). On the implementation of the green deal policy in Ukraine: For the agricultural sector during wartimes. ESG Studies Review, 7(esg), e01617. https://doi.org/10.37497/esg.v7iesg.1617 DOI: https://doi.org/10.37497/esg.v7iesg.1617

Tondolo, V., Otero,L. O. de, Garcia, D. R., Brambilla, F. R., & Lunardi, G. L. (2023). Green purchasing dynamic capabilities: Unraveling the influence of environmental concern and managerial decision-making in sustainable supply chain management. Review of SDGs in Emerging Countries, 5(00), e25. https://doi.org/10.37497/2965-7393.SDGs-Countries.v5.n00.25

Tondolo, V., Otero, L. O. de, Garcia, D. R., Brambilla, F. R., & Lunardi, G. L. (2024). Effect of supplier environmental damage on environmental concern and green purchase dynamic capabilities. ESG Studies Review, 7(esg), e01623. https://doi.org/10.37497/esg.v7iesg.1623 DOI: https://doi.org/10.37497/esg.v7iesg.1623

United Nations. (2015). Transforming our world: The 2030 agenda for sustainable development.

Yaichi, H. S., Mohamadkhani, K., & Ghrgani, B. N. (2020). Developing human resources: A model for enhancement in the Iran meteorological organization. Review of SDGs in Emerging Countries, 2(00), e49. https://doi.org/10.37497/2965-7393.SDGs-Countries.v2.n00.49

Published

2024-04-01

How to Cite

Jha, M. (2024). The role of digital transformation in business and its impact on sustainable development goals (sdgs) in the tourism sector. SDGs Studies Review , 5(goals), e010. https://doi.org/10.37497/sdgs.v5igoals.10