УДК 004

Digitization and technological development in the sphere of international tourism

Куткович Алина Игоревна – студент Западного филиала Российской академии народного хозяйства и государственной службы при Президенте Российской Федерации

Abstract: The article deals with the impact of digitalisation and technology development on the sphere of international tourism. The author analyses how the latest technological solutions, including mobile applications, artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, as well as blockchain, are transforming the ways of planning, booking and conducting travel. Special attention is given to personalising travel services, ensuring secure and transparent transactions, and promoting sustainable and green tourism. The article emphasises the importance of global collaboration and data sharing for the sustainable development of the tourism industry, highlighting the role of technology in creating more inclusive and accessible international tourism.

Keywords: digitalisation in tourism, technology development, international tourism, artificial intelligence, mobile applications, virtual reality, augmented reality, blockchain, sustainable tourism.

Digitalisation and technological developments are playing a key role in transforming the international tourism industry. These changes are affecting all aspects of the industry, from how people search and book travel, to how they interact with customers and manage tourism facilities. Let's take a look at exactly how digitalisation and technology are affecting international tourism and what innovations are expected in the future.

One of the key areas where technology is having a significant impact is the personalisation of travel services. Modern data analytics technologies allow travel companies to collect, analyse and use large amounts of data on customer preferences and behaviour. This makes it possible to offer personalised solutions and offers that best match the needs and interests of each tourist.

In the age of digitalisation, tourism is being transformed by vast and diverse data sources. Notable among them are communication systems, including data from mobile operators and social networks, as well as web resources, both personal and corporate websites. Transaction data from booking systems and retailers, as well as information from physical sensors that capture travellers' interests and movements, play an important role. Crowdsourcing - publicly available content from platforms such as YouTube and TripAdvisor - is also making an important contribution.

This data is becoming a key resource in the creation of tourism products and services. They allow future travellers to learn about the features of a travel destination and its offerings in advance. While travelling tourists have the opportunity to share their impressions, thus enriching the information space with their experience. In turn, this confirms the concept of "experience economy", which is actively discussed in the international scientific environment.

The digital economy, which is formed at the intersection of information technologies and tourism business, puts information and access to it at the centre of attention. Modern information and communication technologies and services are becoming not just tools, but the main drivers of development, providing the necessary environment for the prosperity of the digital economy in tourism [4, p.125].

Mobile applications have long been an integral part of travelling. They provide convenient access to booking flights, hotels, car rentals and other travel services. In addition, mobile applications offer useful features such as maps, travel guides, local sightseeing tips and even real-time translators, which makes travelling more comfortable and safer [2, p.137].

Virtual (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies open new opportunities for international tourism. With their help, potential tourists can "visit" hotels, attractions and even entire cities in advance without leaving their homes. This not only helps in the decision to travel, but also enriches the on-site experience itself by providing interactive maps, directions and information about attractions.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are helping to automate and optimise many processes in the travel industry. From chatbots for customer service to algorithms that determine optimal itineraries and offers, these technologies significantly improve the quality and efficiency of services [1, p.103].

Blockchain technology finds its application in tourism to ensure the security and transparency of bookings and payments. It allows to simplify processes and reduce commissions, as well as provides protection against fraud. Blockchain can be used to create a robust review and rating system that is resistant to tampering, which makes the choice of travel services more transparent and trustworthy for consumers.

Between 2018 and 2024, Russia's strategic initiatives place a special emphasis on the National project "Tourism and Hospitality Industry". This project is being created taking into account the latest trends and challenges of our time, aimed at developing the tourism industry in the digital era. Among the key objectives of the project is to enrich the digital space of Russian tourism. This includes improving the quality and attractiveness of information materials, developing online services for tourists and digitalising consumer interaction. In addition, special attention is paid to the digital transformation of management processes in tourism, which involves the introduction of modern technologies in all aspects of activity, from planning to the implementation of tourist products [5, p.207].

The use of digital technologies requires innovative steps from the state, in particular, uniting public and private technology companies for the development of tourism. As world experience shows, the partnership of private and public sectors, using an unprecedented amount of digital data, aims to analyse the current tourism market, as well as to develop measures to respond to the demands of current consumers.

Digitalisation also contributes to the development of sustainable and green tourism. Today, this is directly linked to the use of various online platforms that provide tourists with many options to choose nature-oriented travel destinations and book hotels with minimal environmental impact. With the digitalisation of tourism, people are becoming more aware and can participate in conservation programmes. Also innovations in tourism significantly reduce the negative impact of this industry on the environment, control the use of resources and waste treatment processes.

The development of international co-operation in tourism is important and advanced technological solutions contribute to the creation of more effective strategies for the development of this industry. Improvements lead to better service levels for tourists and the development of the economy and infrastructure of tourist areas [3, p.188].

International tourism faces various challenges such as climate change and increasing population mobility. Nevertheless, thanks to technology, safe and comfortable travelling conditions are being created. Advanced technological solutions in the field of international tourism, not only contribute to its development, but also enrich the global cultural and economic exchange, opening new opportunities to improve services and create unforgettable experiences for tourists from different countries.

References

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