Using the Digitalization Experience of Small Enterprises of the Tourism and Hospitality Sector in Germany for Development of the Tourism Infrastructure in Russia

Abstract

This study is aimed at exploring the experience of arranging the digitalization of small accommodation facilities in Germany for the development of tourism and hospitality infrastructure in Russian regions. The article deals with the peculiarities of digitalization in the tourism and hospitality sector and its role in attracting tourists to the regions, enhancing the performance and competitiveness of tourism and hospitality enterprises. The article analyzes the introduction of digital technologies by small enterprises of the tourism and hospitality sector and reveals the problems arising in the digitalization (insufficient knowledge and experience Internet resources’ use). It is proposed to use the experience of Germany, where regional authorities prepare business coaches for the development of tourism, to intensify the application of digital technologies by small enterprises. The business coaches provide consulting assistance to owners of small enterprises in the tourism and hospitality sector concerning the use of Internet resources for the promotion of their services both in the German national market and beyond it. This experience is useful in Russia for the development of regional tourism.KeywordsDigitalizationTourism and hospitality industrySmall enterprisesInformation technologyInternet services and resourcesJEI ClassificationL83O14O32O52Z32