Digital Circular Economy and the Global Ecotourism Sector: A Critical Perspective

Abstract

This perspective seeks to build meaningful linkages between the digital circular economy and the global ecotourism sector. The ‘new normal’ in a post-pandemic world calls for innovative solutions to the challenge of low revenue growth in the traditional tourism sector. Ecotourism or sustainable tourism can be the way forward, provided it is coupled with emergent digital technologies of the likes of artificial intelligence, big data and the internet of things, among many others. This article relies on an existing review of literature from all over the world on the theme in order to arrive at meaningful inter-relationships between the digital circular economy and the global ecotourism sector. The main conclusion of this opinion piece is as follows. For ensuring a prosperous global ecotourism sector (or sustainable tourism), moving towards a digital circular economic framework ensures not just a reduction in the depletion of finite natural resources but also an enhancement in biodiversity and a significant reduction in business costs. Thus, ecotourism and digital circular economy aim at creating sustainable value both for businesses and the environment in more ways than one. Additionally, some of the major policy and managerial implications of this study pertain to the need for, first, greater local community involvement in the ecotourism sector; second, constant upskilling of the workforce in the sector with regard to latest digital technologies for their long-term benefit; and last, building a robust digital framework and ensuring last mile connectivity for all ecotourist destinations.