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The Role of Digital Tourism Platforms in Advancing Sustainable Development Goals in the Industry 4.0 Era

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  • Adelina Zeqiri

    (Groupe de Recherche en Droit, Economie, Gestion (GREDEG)—Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), University Côte d’Azur, EUR ELMI 24, Avenue des Diables Bleus, 06300 Nice, France)

  • Adel Ben Youssef

    (Groupe de Recherche en Droit, Economie, Gestion (GREDEG)—Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), University Côte d’Azur, EUR ELMI 24, Avenue des Diables Bleus, 06300 Nice, France)

  • Teja Maherzi Zahar

    (Tunis Higher Institute of Management, University of Tunis, Tunis 1007, Tunisia)

Abstract

The intersection of digitalization and sustainability is reshaping the tourism industry, with digital platforms playing a transformative role in optimizing travel experiences while simultaneously influencing economic inclusivity, labor dynamics, and environmental responsibility. This paper explores how Industry 4.0 technologies—such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data, blockchain, virtual reality (VR), and the Internet of Things (IoT)—are integrated into digital tourism platforms, assessing their dual impact on sustainability and market structures. The study develops a conceptual framework around five key dimensions: market power and digital dependency, AI-driven automation and workforce transformation, innovation and digital inclusion, sustainability innovations, and data security and governance. While digital platforms enhance personalization, operational efficiency, and eco-conscious travel, they also reinforce economic disparities, monopolization, and regulatory challenges, raising concerns related to SDGs such as SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption, and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). The study highlights the need for equitable governance frameworks to mitigate risks associated with AI-driven monopolization, algorithmic bias, and data privacy violations while ensuring digital accessibility for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The findings contribute to ongoing discussions on platform economics, digital governance, and sustainable tourism transformation, offering policy and managerial implications for fostering an inclusive and environmentally responsible tourism industry.

Suggested Citation

  • Adelina Zeqiri & Adel Ben Youssef & Teja Maherzi Zahar, 2025. "The Role of Digital Tourism Platforms in Advancing Sustainable Development Goals in the Industry 4.0 Era," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-24, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:8:p:3482-:d:1634051
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Evangelos Christou & Antonios Giannopoulos & Ioanna Simeli, 2025. "Die Entwicklung des digitalen Tourismusmarketings: Von Hashtags zu KI-immersiven Reisen im Zeitalter des Metaversums [The Evolution of Digital Tourism Marketing: From Hashtags to AI-Immersive Journ," Post-Print hal-05138446, HAL.
    2. Carmen Cagiza & Massochi Faustino & Ilidio Cagiza & Aristoteles Cajiza, 2025. "AI-Powered Advisory Platforms for Sustainable Marketing Innovation in SMEs: Empirical Evidence from Underserved U.S. Markets," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-27, October.
    3. Chen Chen & Kexin Huang, 2025. "Fewer Clicks, Lower Emissions: Eye-Tracking Analysis of Eco-Friendly Navigation in Tourism Websites," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-23, June.
    4. Adel Ben Youssef, 2025. "Twin Transition: Digital Transformation Pathways for Sustainable Innovation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-28, October.
    5. Pannee Suanpang & Thanatchai Kulworawanichpong & Chanchai Techawatcharapaikul & Pitchaya Jamjuntr & Fazida Karim & Kittisak Wongmahesak, 2025. "Advancing Sustainable Tourism Through Smart Wheelchair Optimization: A Mixed-Integer Linear Programming Framework for Inclusive Travel," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-36, October.
    6. Evangelos Christou & Antonios Giannopoulos & Ioanna Simeli, 2025. "The Evolution of Digital Tourism Marketing: From Hashtags to AI-Immersive Journeys in the Metaverse Era," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-41, June.

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