Extension And Risks Of Development Of Social And Technical Networks In Tourism

Abstract

The article focuses on the impact of the social and technical networks on tourism development in the Baikal region. The authors distinguish between the following accommodation booking systems: local, regional, national, international, and meta web search engines. The authors found differences in the extension of social and technical networks between the areas of intensive tourism development, resort tourism and developing tourism. The article studies social, economic and ecological risks caused by social and technical networks. These risks are difficult to predict due to a great number of intermediaries, but they should be taken into account. The research is based on materials of field studies (interviews, observation) in Khuzhir, Listvyanka, Kurumkan, Bolshoe Goloustnoe, Severobaikalsk, Goryachinsk, Arshan in 2016, 2017, and tourist websites. The following effects of social and technical networks development in a tourist region have been found: growing popularity of tourist attractions, unequal distribution of tourist flows in large, middle-size or small accommodation places, local differences when choosing booking systems depending on spatial distribution of information resources. Among the economic risks there are problems with refunds in case of dissatisfaction with the accommodation facilities on a side of tourists, and the cancellations of the booking on a side of the hostel owners. Social risks include exacerbation of any comments in the social networks that lead to development of xenophobic attitudes. Ecological risks include degradation of the most popular in social networks tourist destinations.)