Browsing by Person "Ali, Alisha"

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An Investigation into Information and Communication Technologies-Based Applications for Sustainable Tourism Development of Destinations
(Queen Margaret University, 2009) Ali, Alisha
Sustainable tourism is a heavily researched concept but in reality there has been limited implementation of the principles and practices of sustainable tourism for destinations. Adopting a destination focused perspective, this thesis presents research which expounded Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as a practical, new and innovative approach to sustainable tourism development i.e. computer-supported sustainability. A literature review revealed that there was no specific study focusing on the uses and applications of ICT for sustainable tourism development despite the mention and benefits of doing so. However it did identify that several opportunities existed in destination management for using ICT as well as a collection of ICT-based tools/applications which can be used for managing different aspects of sustainable tourism. Therefore an investigative analysis was necessary in building a solid body of work on the uses and applications of ICT for sustainable tourism as a practical approach for destination managers. These findings formed the input for the primary research which was conducted in two phases: surveys administered to destination managers and eTourism experts followed by semi-structured interviews with experts in this domain identified from the surveys. The primary research alongside the literature findings led to the development of a descriptive framework which identified, categorised and described the uses of these ICT-based tools/applications for managing tourism's impacts. Assessment procedures based on the sustainability goals of the destination were then developed in order assist destination managers selecting the ICT-based tools/applications that were best suited for managing the sustainable tourism development of their destinations. The conclusion of this research clearly identifies that destination managers' sophisticated application of ICT to sustainable tourism is the next logical and practical step they can take in making sustainable tourism a workable reality for their destinations. This research is the building block for prospective research in the ICT-sustainable tourism domain. Future research avenues would be to use the results presented to determine the suitability, applicability and feasibility of the ICT-based tools/applications presented for destination managers. This existing research can be used to develop a more co-ordinated approach to theory development and engage in more empirical research to address tourism challenges with regards to using ICT for sustainable tourism development.
ICT - An Innovative Approach to Sustainable Tourism Development
(2010) Ali, Alisha; Frew, Andrew J.
This research develops the proposition that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can offer an innovative approach to sustainable tourism developement. ICT applications can play a critical role in managing the impacts of tourism and destination managers, among others, will find this research useful in helping to translate the theory of sustainable tourism into a workable reality for their destinations. The paper discusses and presents a conceptual version of the modified Abernathy and Clark (1985) model in exploring and developing a new research domain of ICT and sustainable tourism developement. A wide-raning collection of ICT-based tools/applications is identified which can be used for the diverse aspects of the sustainable development of tourism
ICT and sustainable tourism development: an innovative perspective
(2014-05) Ali, Alisha; Frew, Andrew J.
Purpose – The aim of this research is to foreground information and communication technology (ICT) as an innovative approach for sustainable tourism (ST) development of destinations. ICT is the technology required for information processing which facilitates data processing, information sharing, communication, searching and selection. This paper concentrates on the Abernathy and Clark model and its usefulness in applying ICT as innovative in managing ST. Design/methodology/approach – An online survey was administered to destination managers and to eTourism experts. Destination managers were selected as they were identified as the person responsible for the overall management of a Destination Management Organisation. eTourism experts were identified as someone who possesses special expertise, knowledge and skills on ICT applications to tourism and offered expertise on which ranged from such areas as electronic distribution, recommender systems, user-generated content, online communities, mobile technology, technology acceptance, tourism networks and Web 2.0. This was followed by semi-structured interviews. Findings – These ICT tools were found to be innovative for information management and distribution for critical decision-making. Innovation was fostered through the use of ICT for ST by leading to a better understanding of the tourism product, monitoring, measuring and evaluating, forecasting trends, developing partnerships and engaging and supporting stakeholder relationships. ICT would provide novel ways of approaching marketing, energy monitoring, waste management, and communication for destinations. Originality/value – This research is important in demonstrating the value that technology can have to ST and further develops the work on tourism innovation theory.
ICT for sustainable tourism: a challenging relationship?
(2014-12) Ali, Alisha; Frew, Andrew J.
Information and Communication Technologies for Sustainable Tourism
(Routledge, 2012-12-18) Ali, Alisha; Frew, Andrew J.
Sustainable development is a highly topical issue and is of critical importance to tourism as the environment is of utmost importance for the continued development and prosperity of the industry. There have been numerous texts written on sustainable tourism and the measures which can be used to mitigate and manage this, but none which acknowledges Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)as a mechanism of doing so, despite it being an emerging area of research. ICT in this context refers to innovative tools which form an integrated system of software and networked equipment that facilitates data processing information sharing communication and the ability to search and select from an existing range of products and services for an organisation's benefits. Despite the symbiotic relationship,that exists between ICT and sustainable tourism, there has been little research considering how the use of such technology can be used to make sustainable tourism development a more workable reality. This opportune research monograph is the first to provide a focus on the interrelationship of these two important topics, demonstrating their synergies and providing insight into a new and innovative approach to managing sustainable tourism development. It considers the use of technology to reduce the negative impacts of tourism from both the demand and supply-side perspectives. A critical review of a range of cutting-edge technologies used by tourists and businesses to assess their usefulness in managing sustainable tourism development from the macro to the micro level is also provided. It further integrates examples and practical applications to show how ICT can be an invaluable mechanism in the management of sustainable tourism development.
Technology innovation and applications in sustainable destination development
(Springer, 2014-12) Ali, Alisha; Frew, Andrew J.
This paper introduces information and communication technologies as an innovative approach to managing sustainable tourism development from a destination management perspective. Specific attention is focused on the how destination managers utilise the various forms of technology in addressing both the positive and negative impacts of tourism. Building on Hjalager’s (Tour Manag 18:35–41, 1997) analytical typology for sustainable tourism innovation, this research aims to advance tourism innovation research and demonstrate new uses of technology and the wider applications for sustainable tourism. Using a thorough literature review and primary research with destination managers, a collection of technology based tools and their uses were examined for sustainable tourism development and how these tools can foster destination innovativeness