By Kristianus Oktriono; Business Administration Department, College of Management, Asia University, Taiwan kristianoktriono@gmail.com
Abstract
This article aims to examine the disruptive potential of blockchain technology in the tourism industry in terms of challenges, integration, and outlook. With rapid technological advances, blockchain has changed the paradigm in overcoming various social challenges and transforming industries, especially in the tourism industry such as rural areas. Blockchain technology has a decentralized and immutable nature. It is considered a promising solution to address various challenges in social life, such as services, resource management, and regional administrative arrangements. However, previous research regarding blockchain implementation, particularly in rural tourism, is still in its nascent phase. At the regulation level, the UN has prepared guidance for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Technically, blockchain technology has the potential to change conventional systems into new models as a breakthrough in driving progress toward a more sustainable future. In this article, the author wants to provide an overview of the application of blockchain technology according to its main attributes. This also enters the level of exploring its potential from the perspective of service, resource management, and tourism village administration. This article also identifies the main features and conditioning factors that enable the practical application of blockchain technology in rural tourism areas. This article contributes to providing an understanding of the transformative impact of blockchain on communities in rural tourism areas and provides a breakthrough for deeper adoption of blockchain technology to overcome social challenges and achieve sustainable development goals.
Introduction
Based on the references obtained, the author proposes three main research gaps, namely related to User Acceptance of Blockchain in Rural Tourism. Previous research is still limited, especially concerning the acceptance of blockchain-based systems in the tourism context. Operationally, all groups in the tourism industry, from local communities to regulators [1], must understand the factors that influence user acceptance of blockchain technology, as well as explore user perspectives and attitudes. This is critical for its successful implementation and adoption in these rural tourism sectors [2]. Secondly, the aspect of blockchain integration is the main concern from a sharing economy perspective as a disruption [3]. Talking about the application of technology, there is a need for society to explore the integration of blockchain technology into the sharing economy concept. It particularly focuses on how decentralization and blockchain characteristics are perceived by users of sharing economy platforms. To bridge this gap, blockchain technology can provide insight into the transformative impact on sharing economy models and user behavior in the rural tourism industry [4]. Following that, this article peruses a comprehensive evaluation of Blockchain Suitability for SMEs. Although blockchain technology has potential benefits for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), a comprehensive evaluation of its suitability for these businesses still needs to be studied in more depth [5]. It aims to examine the unique challenges faced by SMEs and assess how blockchain can meet the needs of each group safely and fairly, considering factors such as cost-effectiveness, security, and integration with the acceptance of modern technology in rural tourism areas [6].
Problems Identification
Based on data obtained from several references in this article, the author highlights several critical problem areas in various domains, which include the following three important points.
a.) Although there is some potential for blockchain technology to address society’s current social challenges, there is a significant gap in understanding how blockchain’s key attributes can effectively address these challenges [7]. Data shows that the issues of poverty, urbanization, and sustainable development are the main directions to be achieved. Apart from that, blockchain applications are increasingly being offered to the public and it is necessary to ensure the community’s ability in the process of acceptance to implementation and evaluation [8]. This is to avoid underutilization of potentially transformative solutions. This is the focus of Blockchain Challenges and Contemporary Society in rural tourism areas.
b.) Each rural tourism area faces big challenges in adopting technology-based solutions such as blockchain. This occurs due to limited infrastructure and gaps in the digitalization process compared to urban areas [9]. For some groups, lack of technology is one of the main challenges. This digital divide can slow socio-economic development and hinder various potential innovations and smart transformations in rural communities. This is the focus of the Technology Gap in Rural Areas.
c.) Increasingly complex and up-to-date technology will have both positive and negative impacts. The presence of blockchain technology should not be an obstacle in the adoption process, especially at various levels of the tourism industry in rural tourism areas. Several potential barriers such as the level of trust, clarity of regulations, and technological infrastructure must receive special attention. Apart from that, the application of blockchain technology also needs to be supported by clear legal regulations. If the level of trust of each stakeholder becomes smaller, managerial-level distrust will also increasingly slow down the implementation of effective blockchain solutions. In this context, efforts are made for every group to overcome these challenges and be able to utilize the potential of blockchain technology as best as possible and realize its benefits for every group in various sectors. This is the focus of Complexity and Barriers to Adoption.
Relevant Attributes
Based on several references in this article, there are several main aspects related to blockchain technology. The following attributes are closely related to the purpose of writing this article.
1. Impact of Blockchain Technology
In terms of social and economic implications, the use of blockchain technology has several fundamental roles, starting from growing awareness among stakeholders to the tourist community. In this regard, blockchain technology allows all users to connect and provides a greater sense of security [10]. Technically, this technology offers a digital platform that makes it easy for all digital transactions to take place safely. This will certainly be beneficial for tourist village communities, especially in responding to digital transaction challenges. Armed with technologically advanced equipment and a secure system will help stakeholders to answer the digital divide that is occurring. Furthermore, economic growth and societal adaptation will be encouraged so that existing technology and information gaps can be closed. Speaking in the context of the tourism industry, blockchain technology revolutionizes operational aspects by simplifying several procedures thereby increasing the comfort of the customer experience. With the presence of blockchain technology, parties in the tourism village industry support each other and increase growth gradually, especially armed with this innovative competitiveness. On the other hand, blockchain technology will help in responding to several social and environmental challenges thereby having a positive impact on sustainable development goals [11]. Armed with the optimization of blockchain technology, resources will be managed more efficiently and effectively so that more transparent and trustworthy organizational governance can be achieved towards the development of fair and sustainable tourist village areas. Therefore, it emphasizes some criteria such as immutability and trustworthiness, innovative applications, social impact, future research, disruptive potential, and applications in the tourism industry.
2. Digitalization Gap in Rural Areas
Rural areas also experience major challenges related to the development of tourist villages and the use of digital technology [12]. This presents several important aspects and criteria for consideration. First, the challenges encountered in the field include population density in tourist village areas which is not as much as in city areas. Apart from that, inadequate infrastructure is also the cause of social and economic disparities. In this case, the initiative to create a digital service platform aims to support sustainability as well as innovation and transformation characterized by smart elements. In addition, technology will also encourage the ability of intelligent systems to interact with other systems in rural areas. The presence of this technology will become a link between urban and rural areas so that growth can be realized in the economic sector and digital sector. New technologies will have a disruptive impact on various sectors of the tourism industry, from supply chains to infrastructure and regulations. Furthermore, blockchain technology offers new, more innovative business model practices that will support the growth of the tourist village industry sector.
In particular, blockchain technology will focus on the potential of each tourist area characterized by sustainability and handling various challenges related to urbanization. Another thing is related to optimizing the allocation of resources, minimizing risk [12], and ultimately improving the quality of life of local communities in tourist villages. In general, gaps related to the use of technology require approaches at every level regarding technological innovation, the role of society, policy, and sustainable development.
3. User Acceptance and Empowerment
Blockchain technology has an important role in forming awareness of smart areas. This will encourage the sustainable development of tourist village areas. This is very important in implementing the smart village area initiative. This technology offers a centralized solution by empowering communities in tourist village areas and increasing local community participation in the decision-making process. Other studies also underscore the importance of blockchain in overcoming challenges in rural tourism and paving the way for research related to the future application of blockchain technology. A comprehensive exploration of village tourism potential and its implications also needs to be carried out in stages [14]. The application of blockchain technology explains the importance of supply chains, blockchain integration, and demand contracts to improve transparency, traceability, and performance. With increasing awareness and empowerment, the benefits of blockchain technology will provide significant benefits such as product traceability and supply chain efficiency. User acceptance and empowerment are important aspects influenced by contextual variations, technical features, and behavioral considerations, highlighting the importance of user-centered design and implementation strategies for successful adoption and empowerment [15].
These aspects capture diverse findings related to blockchain technology, rural development, smart city applications, user acceptance, and supply chain management, providing a comprehensive picture of the research landscape in these areas [16].
Figure 1. Attributes of Blockchain Technology Related to Rural Tourism
Conclusion
This article seeks to convey the transformative potential of blockchain technology in various domains, from rural development and smart villages to supply chain management, and tourism. In this context, blockchain technology is a catalyst for realizing equitable growth and sustainable development. Technically, blockchain technology has the capacity to upgrade the level of efficiency and effectiveness in realizing centralized transparency and security with community empowerment. In this phase, various technical and non-technical challenges arise, ranging from the user’s technical maturity level, stakeholder awareness level, operability level, to investment costs. All of these things should be addressed as soon as possible through various joint efforts and collaborative research. Through a collective approach, this article proposes several attributes and a holistic approach that focuses on human values. With this, blockchain technology can support collaboration between all parties by optimizing innovative technology to achieve common goals and encourage growth in a positive direction in all sectors. With the development of blockchain, all parties must be aware of the process of integration and transformation into all social and societal systems. It is this framework of understanding that provides new hope for a future that is more adaptive, inclusive, transformative and sustainable.
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Cite As
Oktriono K. (2024) Blockchain Solutions for Sustainable Smart Communities: Facilitating Transparent and Empowering Community Collaborations in Rural Tourism Areas, Insights2Techinfo, pp.1