Optimization of digital channels in tourism and their contribution to sustainable regional development through online travel agencies
Abstract In an increasingly dynamic and competitive global economy, where rapid technological advancements continually reshape market structures, digital transformation has emerged as a critical driver of business resilience and sustainable growth. This study examines how the adoption of digital technologies contributes to enhancing operational efficiency, organizational adaptability, and long-term competitiveness. Using a mixed-methods approach, quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 70 medium-sized service-sector companies in Peru. The findings reveal that organizations implementing digitalization processes experienced notable improvements in productivity (63%) and responsiveness to changing environments (58%). However, persistent challenges remain, particularly in relation to the technological gap, change management, and digital skills training. The study concludes that digital transformation should not be understood merely as technological modernization, but rather as a comprehensive strategic process aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting decent work, and fostering more resilient economies in developing countries.
Authors
- Rui Alexandre Castanho (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1882-4801)
- Gabriela Nieto Castillo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-0636-0660)
- Rosario Pariona-Luque (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8468-7801)
- Edwin Vegas-Gallo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2566-0115)
- César Augusto Peñaranda Calle (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6648-6352)
- Liz Pacheco-Pumaleque (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4323-1293)
- Julio Cesar Quispe-Calderón (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2352-5670)
- Alex Pacheco (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9721-0730)
- Wilson Marín (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6175-8112)
- Jorge Donayre (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2176-7406)
- Nelson Shack-Yalta (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7121-2564)
Institutions
- Universidad Privada San Juan Bautista (PE)
- Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola (PE)
- Universidad César Vallejo (PE)
- Antenor Orrego Private University (PE)
- Universidad Peruana de Ciencias e Informática (PE)
- Saint Aloysius Gonzaga National University (PE)
- San Cristóbal of Huamanga University (PE)
- Universidade Politécnica de Portalegre (PT)
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Huanta
- National University of Engineering (PE)
- University of the Pacific (PE)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Discover Sustainability
- Published
- 2025-11-26
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-02171-z
- Primary Topic
- Diverse Aspects of Tourism Research
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00