Management and Leadership for Digital Transformation in Tourism

Abstract

Information and communication technologies are major drivers of change. Also in tourism, businesses and entire destinations have to find new business models to stay competitive and relevant. Utilizing the possibilities of digital technologies in developing new business models is called digital transformation. This chapter examines what digital transformation in tourism is and how technology affects leadership and management in tourism organizations. Digital transformation is conceptualized as a creative process activated by knowledge management and knowledge transfer which, in turn, aims at creating new business possibilities and models, respectively. By drawing on extensive literature on topics connected to digital transformation such as tourism management, leadership, knowledge and change management, as well as creativity, the chapter at hand discusses the current state of digital transformation management in tourism. A research outlook for the future of digital transformation management in tourism is finally proposed.