Socio-technological Sustainability in Tourism

Identifying organizations’ dynamic capabilities for sustainable digital transformation: A mixed methods study

In the context of rapid growth in the tourism industry and increasing attention to sustainability issues, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) standards have become an essential benchmark for the hospitality sector worldwide. As Ukraine moves toward integration into the global tourism market, adopting the Global Sustainable Tourism Council standards is crucial for maintaining environmental, social, and economic sustainability within the industry. The subject of the study is the Global Sustainable Tourism Council standards and indicators of sustainable tourism and hospitality development. The purpose of the article is to analyze international standards and indicators of sustainable tourism and hospitality development, particularly the criteria of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, and to determine their significance for the Ukrainian tourism and hospitality industry development. The objectives of the study are: to analyze the structure and content of international standards and indicators for sustainable tourism and hospitality development, with a focus on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria; to determine the significance and practical implications of applying GSTC standards for enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of the Ukrainian tourism and hospitality industry. Research methods: generalization and systematization (to identify groups of criteria and indicators of sustainable development in the tourism and hospitality industry); systemic and comprehensive analysis (to determine the importance of applying global sustainable tourism council standards for the Ukrainian tourism and hospitality industry development); graphical method (for visual representation of theoretical material). Results. A comprehensive review of the standards and recommended indicators of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) for tourism and hospitality has been carried out, with a focus on their structure and key thematic areas. A detailed analysis of the four main blocks of GSTC criteria – effective sustainable management, socio-economic benefits, cultural heritage preservation, and environmental protection – has been conducted. The review demonstrates how these standards align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and serve as a universal basis for assessing the sustainability of tourism enterprises and destinations. The necessity of applying GSTC criteria for the Ukrainian tourism and hospitality industry has been substantiated, emphasizing their role in enhancing competitiveness and sustainability. The strategic importance of these standards for post-crisis recovery, shaping a positive image of Ukraine as a sustainable tourism destination, and ensuring long-term resilience through responsible practices has been highlighted.

Sustainable tourism, unlike conventional tourism, explicitly strives to maintain economic, environmental, and social sustainability in tourist destinations. Saipan, the capital and the largest island of the chain of Pacific islands known as the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), is a tropical destination that heavily relies on the tourist industry as a source of income. When analyzing the trends of tourist arrivals from the top three countries that account for the majority of tourist arrivals in Saipan-China, Japan, and Korea-the necessity to implement sustainable tourism in Saipan becomes clear. This article forecasts tourism demand, which is one of the main factors in determining sustainable tourism on a small island. Analyzing both long-term and cyclical trends in tourist arrivals assists budget-constrained policymakers and related organizations in implementing sustainable tourism. Therefore, forecasting accuracy is essential in tourism policy and planning. The tourist arrival data obtained from Marianas Visitors Authority’s official Japanese website are made into a time series for Chinese, Japanese, and Korean visitor data from 2006 to 2016. Given the various time-series forecasting models, we employ simple but powerful forecasting techniques, such as ARIMA and ETS to control for the possible seasonality and trend in our tourism data. Using these forecast methods, the tourist arrival data is used to predict the future trends of tourist arrivals in Saipan for the next twelve months. The performance of our forecasting model in this study is evaluated based on the five measures of accuracy, as measured by comparison with actual tourism flows: mean error, mean absolute scaled error, mean percentage error, mean absolute error, and mean absolute percentage error. A comparison of the two popular forecast techniques in this study shows that the ETS model statistically outperforms the ARIMA model in terms of various measures of accuracy. A practical implication of this finding is that the ETS approach should be used when forecasting tourism demand for small islands. We predict the visitor arrivals from China, Japan, and Korea to Saipan by using the better model. The estimated 80% and 95% intervals for the number of tourist arrivals by the ETS model are presented in this study. The upper (lower) bound is the maximum (minimum) value of the estimated tourist arrivals. We find strong evidence that the tourist arrival trend for Korean visitors to Saipan will increase in the short run; although, the Chinese and Japanese tourist arrival trends seems to be stable, except for Japanese tourist arrivals in August. Nonetheless, with such an intense demand for Saipan’s natural resources, sustainable island tourism becomes necessary. Our estimated result is useful to practitioners in the sense that they are able to prepare for carrying capacities and the means of destination management on Saipan. Proper management for maintaining the island environmentally, economically, and socially requires the preservation of indigenous culture, local quality of life, natural resources, and economic stability while accommodating the demands of arriving tourists. It is crucial to preserve the assets of Saipan in order to maintain and improve its economy. Thus, our time series modeling for forecasting the number of visitors becomes necessary to develop overall economic, environmental, and social sustainability in the island. An interesting addition to implementing sustainable tourism in Saipan is the idea of maintaining a “cap” on the number of incoming tourists visiting the island. Perhaps, with more research on Saipan’s environment, specifically an estimate of how much of the island’s resources tourists exhaust and how much the island can withstand the aforementioned, this “cap” could be practical to prevent perpetual damage to Saipan’s biodiversity, resources, culture, and economy. Along with this idea, knowing the minimum number of tourists needed to sustain Saipan’s necessities is valuable.

This study examines the structural and digital transformation within the financial industry, portraying the urging need for green sustainable digitalization within Industry 4.0. This study aims to explore the role of digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT), in promoting environmental sustainability in the financial sector. The study reviews the existing literature and the identified critical challenges and opportunities in sustainable digital transformation. It proposes pathways for leveraging digitalization to attain socio-environmental sustainability and green finance. Empirical evidence supports such analysis, finding positive impacts that digital finance brings to green technology innovation and carbon neutrality, emphasizing the synergy of digital development with sustainability goals. The study finds that policy and regulation will be critical in smoothing the transition and fostering diverse social and environmental implications of sustainable digital finance. In this context, the study brings a futuristic outlook on the way digital technologies are integrated within corporate strategies to be part of sustainable development.

This study conducts a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and contextualizes the findings through a case study of three public senior high schools (SMAN) in Lebong Regency, Indonesia. Using a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method adapted from the PRISMA framework, sixteen relevant studies were selected from international and national databases such as Scopus, Taylor & Francis, SpringerLink, SINTA, and Garuda. The analysis employed thematic synthesis to identify major patterns and relationships across studies. The findings reveal four dominant dimensions that influence the success of digital school transformation: leadership and organizational change, teacher competence and digital readiness, technology integration and pedagogical innovation, and sustainability supported by policy and institutional frameworks. The results indicate that effective change management serves as the foundation for achieving systemic and sustainable digital transformation in education. Strong leadership, continuous professional development, adaptive use of emerging technologies, and supportive policies are essential for improving teaching quality and institutional performance. This review concludes that digital transformation in schools is not solely a technological shift, but an organizational and cultural process that requires continuous adaptation and strategic management.

Purpose: This article addresses the digital divide in education by proposing a cost-effective, inclusive, and sustainable digital transformation paradigm for Namibian institutions. The report identifies infrastructure, socioeconomic, pedagogical, and legislative barriers to digital education inclusion in Namibia and proposes strategic solutions based on empirical data and best practices. Methodology: The research employed a descriptive, explanatory and prospective desktop research style to assess highly referenced Scopus-indexed publications, as well as international reports from the World Bank, GSMA, UNESCO, and ITU. In addition, the study utilised bibliometric techniques and extensive document analysis. Subsidiary data generated from prominent patterns and recommendations was also extracted. Key concerns like socioeconomic inequities, educational capacity, digital infrastructure constraints and policy frameworks influencing digital education were sought to be addressed by the document analysis. Findings: Namibia has infrastructure inadequacies, socio-economic inequality, teacher digital competency gaps, and policy implementation gaps, worsening the digital divide. Mobile broadband, satellite internet, TPACK-aligned teacher training, inclusive policy reform, and public-private finance models were crucial. The study also shows that digital transformation requires infrastructure, socio-economic support, teacher capacity training, and flexible governance frameworks. Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: The paper theoretically combines the TPACK model, Bourdieu's Theory of Capital, Van Dijk's Four Access Framework, and another contextualised conceptual framework, especially for developing nations. Practically, it offers international development partners, education stakeholders, and legislators with tangible plans to operationalise fair digital transformation in situations with limited resources. All things considered, the studies forward the conversation on digital inclusion and educational equity in the Global South by providing a scalable road map fit for like circumstances outside of Namibia.

The covid pandemic points out inconsistencies and points to improve in the organization of healthcare logistics. Indeed, the dangerousness and the propagation process of the virus imply to increase health security (patient and personal health). In this context, healthcare logistics flows require a new and safety organization improving the hospital performance. The purpose of this paper consists in optimizing healthcare logistics flows by solving problems associated to the internal logistics such as reduction of the personal health wasting time and the protection of both patients and personal health. Then, the methodology corresponds to the use of the hospital sustainable digital transformation as a response to healthcare flows and safety problems. Indeed, social, societal and environmental aspects have to be considered in addition to new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoTs), Big data and analytics. These parameters could be used in the healthcare for increasing doctor, nurse, caregiver performance during their daily operations, and patient satisfaction. Indeed, this hospital digital transformation requires the use of large data associated to patients and personal health, algorithms, a performance measurement tool (actual and future state) and a general approach for transforming digitally the hospital flows. The paper findings show that the healthcare logistics performance could be improved with a sustainable digital transformation methodology and an intelligent software tool. This paper aims to develop this healthcare logistics 4.0 methodology and to elaborate the intelligent support system. After an introduction presenting the common hospital flows and their main problems, a literature review will be detailed for showing how existing concepts could contribute to the elaboration of a structured methodology. The structure of the intelligent software tool for the healthcare digital transformation and the tool development processes will be presented. An example will be given for illustrating the development of the tool.

The rapid pace of technological advancement in digital transformation has created new opportunities for enhancing sustainability across various sectors. This article explores the intersection of energy-efficient computing and circular design innovations, focusing on how digital technologies can contribute to reducing environmental impacts while promoting sustainable practices. By examining the role of energy-efficient computing, such as low-power processors, edge computing, and cloud optimization, alongside circular design principles like material reuse, waste reduction, and product lifecycle management, the article investigates how these innovations support a more sustainable digital economy. Drawing on case studies and recent advancements, the study highlights key benefits, including energy savings, reduced e-waste, and the potential for creating more sustainable products and services. However, the research also identifies challenges, including high implementation costs, integration complexities, and the need for industry-wide standards. The findings underscore the importance of cross-sector collaboration, policy frameworks, and investment in R&D to overcome barriers and accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient computing and circular design. The article concludes with recommendations for future research and the role of digital technologies in fostering a circular economy, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and resource-efficient digital future.

Digital transformation is a strategic necessity for traditional businesses to survive and compete in the digital era. This research aims to identify the challenges and opportunities faced by traditional businesses in the digitalization process. Using a qualitative approach, this study analyzes data from several case studies of traditional businesses in the trade and services sectors that are undergoing the digital transformation process. The results show that the main challenges include technological limitations, low digital competence of human resources, organizational culture resistance, and limited capital. On the other hand, opportunities that can be utilized include broader digital market access, operational efficiency through automation, and product innovation based on customer needs. Successful strategies include HR training, adaptation of organizational culture, selection of appropriate technology, and collaboration with external parties. This research contributes to the digital transformation literature and offers practical recommendations for businesses and policymakers in supporting inclusive and sustainable digital transformation in the traditional business sector.

Seeking to advance mutual clustering of the tourism economy and cultural industries while safeguarding cultural sustainability in tourism, this paper delves into the patterns of co-development and the contributing forces across spatial and temporal dimensions in the Yellow River Basin. Using a combined spatial and temporal analytical lens, along with spatial autocorrelation testing and a spatial Durbin model embedded in a synergetic systems approach, the present study analyzes the evolutionary characteristics of the spatiotemporal pattern of the collaborative agglomeration of the Yellow River Basin’s tourism and cultural industries in 2011 and 2021 and the internal mechanism of its influencing factors. We then propose countermeasures and suggestions to boost the quality–efficiency synergy agglomeration of the basin’s tourism and cultural industries. The results showed the following: ① From 2011 to 2021, a positive overall spatial autocorrelation was noted in the basin’s tourism and cultural industries. Temporally, it presented a variation trend of “rise–fall–rise”, and spatially, it presented a distribution characteristic of “higher in the central and eastern regions versus in its western parts”. ② From 2011 to 2021, the local spatial autocorrelation (LSA) of the basin’s tourism and cultural industries remained at a low level. Moreover, significant differences were noted in the LSA among different regions. In spatial terms, the clustering intensity of tourism and cultural industries was stronger in the central and eastern parts of the basin versus in its western parts. ③ Influencing variables for tourism–culture collaborative agglomeration across the basin involve both temporal superposition effects and spatial radiation driving effects. The industrial economy, policies, and innovation exert enduring effects on the development and cross-regional spillover outcomes of the two collaborative agglomerations. Serving as a theoretical reference and policy resource, this study addresses how to promote the quality–efficiency synergy in the Yellow River Basin’s tourism and cultural industries while enhancing cultural sustainability in the tourism industry. Moreover, it can also provide experiences and references for other similar regions.

This study investigates managers’ perceptions of digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI) adoption within the framework of Industry 4.0, emphasizing the relationship between technological modernization, organizational culture, and sustainability. Drawing on empirical data collected in 2025 from 150 Romanian companies ’managers by applying a structured questionnaire, followed by a multivariate analytical approach supported by the Benjamini–Hochberg correction, the research identifies critical managerial perceptions that influence the success of digital transformation. The findings show that managers recognize digitalization as a strategic opportunity for process optimization and competitiveness. At the same time, they perceive it as a structural challenge driven by legacy systems, financial constraints, and limited digital competencies. Similarly, managers view AI as a valuable tool for data analysis and market forecasting, while also expressing concerns related to ethical, technical, and cybersecurity risks. The study further reveals managerial ambivalence toward Industry 4.0. Although automation and IoT are considered inevitable for maintaining competitiveness, their implementation remains constrained by logistical and cultural barriers. By integrating technological, organizational, and human dimensions, this research contributes to the literature on sustainable digital transformation. It provides an in-depth understanding of how managerial perceptions mediate the balance between innovation, responsibility, and long-term resilience. Finally, the results offer actionable insights for policymakers and business leaders seeking to align digitalization and AI initiatives with sustainable development objectives.

Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) integrated with digital transformation (DT) presents a twin transition opportunity for balancing economic growth and environmental sustainability. This study addresses leveraging digital technologies to reduce carbon emissions while enhancing operational efficiency, reflecting the global emphasis on green transformation as seen in UN Climate Change Conferences (COPs) and policies like the EU's Carbon Boundary Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Using a combination of science-based system dynamics (SD) modelling approach and case study, we develop a comprehensive green supply chain zero carbon emission management system with DT. The selected case company exemplifies successful integration of green supply chain strategies and DT, demonstrating twin transition strategies that strengthen the synergy between green and digital transformations. Six scenario analyses highlight that adopting green eco-strategies promotes both economic growth and environmental sustainability, offering a win-win solution for global supply chains and providing practical guidance for sustainable business transformation.

Purpose: The aim of the paper was the identification of 4.0 competences that should be characterized by logistics workers in the era of the fourth industrial revolution. Design/methodology/approach: First step was the desk research analysis of source material (monographic studies, publications and reports). The second step were primary (fragmentary) explanatory, descriptive and explanatory, focused on the implementation of one research goal. The method used in the course of the study was the "user-centric" CAWI (Computer Assisted Web Interview). Findings: Technologization and robotization require from employees to acquire new digital competences. Studies show that logistics workers are aware of the needed change. There is a need to acquire competences 4.0 which can consist of cognitive, informative and technical competences. Research limitations/implications: The main limitation of the research was the availability of employees in logistics companies and the precise division of enterprises in which the respondents were employed. In the available statistical summaries and address databases, there is no division taking into account the place of logistics as an element of business activities in enterprises. Practical implications: Research can be also a signpost for employers of what kind of competences should be developed in the future in the face of upcoming economy 5.0 and society 5.0. Originality/value: The article can be a road-map for sustainable digital transformation taking into account not only machines but also human beings. Keywords: digitization, competences 4.0, sustainable economy, logistics.

Digitalization and digital transformation have become crucial development directions in the tourism and hospitality industry. In the tourism sector, the digitalization level directly influences younger consumers’ engagement. The convenience and functionality of digital tools increasingly impact consumer decisions when choosing travel platforms, and digital marketing plays an increasingly significant role in the tourism industry. This chapter introduces a newly designed course that adopts design thinking as its core methodology, systematically guiding students to start from user needs and utilize digital tools for innovative design and practical applications. The content, covering tourism map information, social media marketing, and website management, is efficient for employment. However, students’ foundational digital skills could be further enhanced. To address workload pressure, the course could include post-class guidance sessions, peer learning mechanisms, and preparatory materials to ease learning burdens. By integrating the five steps of design thinking, the course successfully bridges theory and practice, cultivating digital talents equipped with innovative thinking and practical skills.

The article examines the availability and use of digital tools to improve the reputation management of a tourist destination. Today, the tourism industry is undergoing a transformation in terms of changing the service, its implementation and consumption in connection with the integration of the latest technologies and changes in society's perception of the understanding of travel in modern conditions of rapidly changing economic processes. The concept of «digitalization of a tourist destination» was directly proposed by the author and revealed within the article. The process of changes in the tourism industry in the world, and in particular in Ukraine, is considered in detail, using the example of the availability and use of digital products to influence the formation of the reputation management of a tourist destinations. These include virtual tours, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, gamification, etc. It is noted that the latest products for Ukraine are quests with gamification elements, selfie parks, etc. But NFT technology aimed at virtualization deserves special attention during the war. With the help of virtual and augmented reality technologies, the tourism industry becomes interesting, popular and in demand. Having planned a visit to a location, you can review and get even more inspired and visit or recommend a specific destination, museum, park, etc.; you can explore rarely accessible interior elements; to revive historical facts, events, etc. In the course of research, it was determined that the transformation of the tourism industry during the war directly affects the formation and improvement of the reputation of the tourist destination, and accordingly, the formation of the tourist flow and economic income to the destination after the end of the war. The digital transformation of the industry is now giving birth to new ones, many traditional tourist destinations are experiencing their second birth or new meanings and modern approaches to the visualization and realization of the service within the tourist destination.