Road block(chain): bit(coin)s for tourism sustainable development goals?

【Author】 Tham, Aaron; Sigala, Marianna

【Source】JOURNAL OF HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM TECHNOLOGY

【影响因子】5.576

【Abstract】Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss the disrupting usage and impacts of blockchains and cryptocurrencies and advocate their role as enablers of sustainable tourism development goals. Design/methodology/approach Literature on blockchains and cryptocurrencies is critically synthesized, debated and expanded to identify and discuss their implications toward sustainable tourism futures. Findings As a distributive digital ledger, blockchains have the potential to create a more inclusive tourism future to address debates around tourism as a vehicle for sustainable development that alludes to value accruing to only certain providers and consumers. Blockchains and their cryptocurrencies (as a financial transaction capability) elevate trust and relational capabilities in an expedited and holistic manner, democratize participation in economic systems and re-distribute power and economic relations amongst actors by influencing the way data (the currency of the digital economy and the lifeblood of tourism) is collected, stored, exchange, owned and traded for co-creating value. Originality/value The paper contributes to the emerging but controversial literature about the trajectories between technology and sustainability by critically debating on how blockchains, through cryptocurrency economies, can be positioned to facilitate sustainable tourism futures.

【Keywords】Cryptocurrency; Tourism; Sustainable development; Disruptive innovation; Digital payments; Distributive ledger

【发表时间】2020 1-Sep

【收录时间】2022-01-02

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