THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON TOURISM MARKETING STRATEGIES AND THE ROLE OF DIGITALIZATION

Abstract

Natia Surmanidze E-mail: n.surmanidze@ug.edu.ge PhD in Economics, The University of Georgia Tbilisi, Georgia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2116-6571 Sopiko Tevdoradze E-mail: Sofo.tevdoradze@giu.edu.ge PhD in Business Administration Georgian International University (GIU) Tbilisi, Georgia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1668-051X0000-0002-1668-051X Zurab Mushkudiani E-mail: Zurab.mushkudiani@giu.edu.ge PhD in Business Administration Georgian International University (GIU) Tbilisi, Georgia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0987-3564 Abstract: This research explores how the global COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented obstacles for the tourist business, which have led to rapid changes in its landscape. Specifically, it looks at how tourism organizations have adopted technology and changed their marketing methods. The study examines the complex links between technology adoption, organizational dynamics, and external environmental factors using the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) paradigm as a conceptual lens. The research posits and empirically tests four hypotheses: (1) the pandemic significantly influences a shift from classical to digital marketing strategies, (2) organizational dynamics play a crucial role in the successful integration of digitization efforts, (3) external environmental factors, particularly the pandemic, shape the urgency and nature of digitization strategies, and (4) effective analysis of various indicators, feedback mechanisms, and sales metrics significantly contributes to the success of digital marketing strategies. In order to obtain valuable insights, the study uses statistical techniques such as logistic regression, multiple regression analysis, correlation evaluation, Chi-Square tests, and logistic regression that were carefully designed and distributed to eighteen tourism companies affiliated with Georgia's national tourism agency. Results highlight the paradigm shift towards digital marketing brought about by the pandemic, the critical role played by organizational dynamics, the impact of external environmental factors, and the critical importance of data-driven analysis in augmenting the effectiveness of digital marketing in the tourism industry. In order to help stakeholders in the tourism industry navigate the possibilities and difficulties provided by the post-pandemic digitally altered landscape, this research adds a nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics surrounding technology adoption, digital strategies, and organizational responses. Keywords: Tourism digitization; COVID-19 impact; Digital marketing strategies; Organizational dynamics; Technology-Organization-Environment framework. JEL classification: L83, Q55, O33