Potentials of Digital Business Models in Tourism—Qualitative Study with German Experts

Abstract

Digitization is one of the most discussed topics in recent years. The traditional business models are also massively affected by digitization. Still, the impact of digitization and the potentials for business is only being analyzed in detail by few. Therefore, this research work focuses on the potential of digital business models in the tourism industry. The results are based on empirical data from German experts. The data were collected and analyzed using grounded theory. The effects of digitization, such as new technologies or changed customer needs, change the usual business models. In the future, many business models will concentrate on digital technologies. In particular, rating platforms or sharing economy platforms will play an even greater role in tourism. In addition, social networks such as Twitter, Facebook or Instagram will strongly influence the tourism industry. These new technologies will change and shape the tourism industry in the future. More and more offers are available for customers who enjoy traveling. The aim of this qualitative study is to identify the potential of new digital business models in the respective markets.