Exploratory Study on Contributions of ICTs to Sustainable Tourism Development in Manchester.

Despite the potential of ICTs and its revolution in the contemporary tourism industry, very little academic research has been carried out on the contribution of ICTs to Sustainable Tourism Development (STD). This study aims to explore various different stakeholders΄ perception on the contribution of ICTs to sustainable tourism development in Manchester. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with various different stakeholders who are involved in sustainable tourism development in Manchester area. Findings revealed that ICTs can offer platform to facilitate sustainable tourism development and emerging ICTs can be utilized to maximize tourism΄s positive impacts and minimize negative impacts at tourism destination. The research also identified a number of barriers to the implementation of ICTs in sustainable tourism development. Limitations of the study which should be addressed in future research are discussed and some recommendations for further research are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]