PREDICTORS OF DIGITAL MATURITY FOR ACCOMMODATION SMALL-AND MICRO ENTERPRISES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Organisations wanting to stay competitive through digital transformation must demonstrate high digital maturity levels according to current market conditions. South African small and micro enterprises (SMEs) have the potential to make a significant contribution to the local economy; however, they face specific digital transformation challenges and opportunities that distinguish them from other businesses. The small accommodation sector faces challenges such as limited financial resources, which impact digital access, inadequate infrastructure, insufficiently skilled workers, and must navigate complicated regulatory frameworks. Digitalisation can transform SMEs by enabling market expansion, operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and business stability, thereby becoming more sustainable and contributing to a competitive advantage, while also supporting local employment and economic growth. The research combines existing studies to determine which factors influence digital maturity levels in South African small and micro accommodation businesses. The researcher conducted a systematic database search across Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, Google Scholar, and Sabinet for peer-reviewed articles published between January 2013 and May 2024. The PRISMA guidelines were used to evaluate studies after screening and extraction. The research included fourteen studies that met the established criteria. The findings revealed that SMEs achieve digital maturity through multiple interconnected elements, which include personal skills, organisational characteristics, and environmental and systemic factors. Digital maturity depends on the owner/manager's digital literacy, access to ICT infrastructure, organisational culture, financial capacity, external support networks, and regulatory environment. The development of digital maturity in South African accommodation SMEs requires programs that enhance digital competencies, build infrastructure, and create supportive regulatory frameworks. Financial backing, skill development, and information dissemination will enable stakeholders to harness digital transformation for enhanced sector competitiveness and inclusive economic expansion in South African tourism.