Blockchain Technologies Transforming the Tourism and Hospitality Industry

Strategic Insights -

Research examining the relationship between blockchain implementation and state-of-the-art practices in the tourism and hospitality industry (T&HI) reveals growing interest in blockchain technologies (BCT). A bibliometric analysis of articles published between 2018 and January 2024 identifies seven clusters with emerging research hotspots, highlighting the features and attributes of BCT mechanisms, including cryptocurrencies, distributed ledgers, smart contracts, and consensus algorithms. The study highlights the drivers for increasing adoption and acceptance of BCT, with a focus on promoting smart tourism, transparency, trustworthiness, and disintermediation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The analysis identifies seven clusters with emerging research hotspots in blockchain technologies (BCT) applications in the T&HI, including cryptocurrency, distributed ledger, smart contract, and consensus algorithm mechanisms.
  • The study highlights the drivers for increasing adoption and acceptance of BCT, including smart tourism, transparency, trustworthiness, and disintermediation.
  • The research explores the use of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in the metaverse to promote authenticity and enhance tourists' experiences, with emphasis on achieving cost-effectiveness and sustainability in the T&HI.
  • Key challenges identified in the study include security, privacy, and regulatory frameworks.
  • The analysis provides timely and valuable insights for organizations, managers, and academics considering future applications, benefits, and challenges in the field of sustainability issues and technology acceptance.
  • The research identifies research gaps and future research avenues, guiding further investigation in this area.

Statistics:

  • The study examined articles from Web of Science published between 2018 and January 2024.
  • The bibliometric analysis used the co-occurrence technique and VOSviewer software to identify seven clusters with emerging research hotspots.
  • The research highlights the drivers for increasing adoption and acceptance of BCT, including smart tourism (30%), transparency (21%), trustworthiness (17%), and disintermediation (13%).
  • The study considers the implications for the design of new services towards enhancing sustainability and customer experiences in the T&HI.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Investigators from University of Rey Juan Carlos Zero in on Sustainability Research (The Role of Blockchain-related Technologies In Transforming the Tourism and Hospitality Industry: an Overview and Research Guidelines). Ecology, Environment & Conservation. July 18, 2025; p 250.
  • The Role of Blockchain-related Technologies In Transforming the Tourism and Hospitality Industry: an Overview and Research Guidelines. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 2025;37(13):84-102.