ICT as Innovator Between Tourism and Culture

Lately, tourists consider their mobile devices as essential accessories for the realization of their trip before, during, and after the visit. Such devices allow them to consult information about points of interest, services, or products in real time. Thus, mobile devices have come to be considered as tools to support decision making regarding the realization of trips. In the digital environment, tourists seek complementary information to consolidate knowledge about the destination, heritage, culture, customs, and traditions that make the visited place unique. Simultaneously, they transform tourist experiences into a memory associated with travel, contribute to the sustainability of local populations, reduce inequalities, and cooperate to improve the quality of life of all involved.

ICT as Innovator Between Tourism and Culture differs from others on the same areas because it aims to place the emphasis on and increase the bridge of knowledge between information communications technology (ICT), tourism, and culture, considering ICT as the main driver that creates the development environment and enhances the tourist experience in general. In particular, it is linked to cultural heritage, making it a more sustainable and intelligent tourist destination, taking into account the well-being of the local population and visitors. Covering topics such as destination image, religious tourism, and innovation dynamics, this book is an essential resource for IT consultants, hotel managers, marketers, travel agencies, tour operators, tourism researchers, professors, students, practitioners within the tourism industry, and academicians.

Célia M. Q. Ramos graduated in computer engineering from the University of Coimbra, obtained her Master in Electrical and Computers Engineering from the Higher Technical Institute, Lisbon University, and her PhD in Econometrics at the University of the Algarve (UALG), Faculty of Economics, Portugal. She is an adjunct professor in the School for Management, Hospitality and Tourism, also in the UALG, where she lectures computer science. Areas of research and special interests include conception and development of information systems, tourism information systems, big data, etourism, econometric modeling, and panel-data models. Célia Ramos has published in the fields of information systems and tourism; namely, she has authored a book, two book chapters, conference papers, and journal articles. At the level of applied research, she has participated in several funded projects.

Sílvia Quinteiro is Coordinating Professor at University of the Algarve – School of Management, Hospitality and Tourism, where she teaches since 1994 and, among other positions and functions, was President of the Technical and Scientific Council. She holds a first degree in Modern Languages and Literatures (Portuguese and German Studies) from New University of Lisbon, a Master’s and a PhD degree in Comparative Literature from the University of Lisbon. She founded and coordinated the Research Cluster in Literature and Tourism Studies: LIT&TOUR (2012-2020). Her research interests include Comparative Literature, and the relation between Literature and Tourism. She is a full member of CIAC – Centre for Research in Arts and Communication (University of the Algarve) member of the Rede Entremeio: Geography, Tourism and Literature Research Network of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and collaborates with project LITESCAPE. PT Literary Atlas of Continental Portugal. She coordinates the Literary Route of the Algarve, and has authored several national and international scientific publications.

Alexandra R. Gonçalves is Assistant Professor at the University of Algarve, School of Management, Hospitality and Tourism. Integrated Researcher of the Research Centre for Tourism, Sustainability and Well-being (CinTurs) for the areas of Tourism, Sustainability, Territory, Heritage, Museums, Cultural Management and Creative Industries. PhD Degree in Tourism. Master's Degree in Cultural Heritage Management. Post-graduate degree in Cultural Heritage Law. Graduate in Marketing. Regional Director of Culture of the Algarve from December 16, 2013 to December 15, 2018; Councilor of the Municipality of Faro (Oct. 2009-Oct. 2013). Since October 30th, 2019, is the Director of the School of Management, Hospitality and Tourism (University of Algarve). Has several published research in the areas of tourism, cultural experiences, cultural and creative tourism, cultural heritage management and museums, events evaluation. Was the regional researcher responsible for the project funded by the Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation -CREATOUR-Creative Tourism Destination Development in Small Cities and Rural Areas (2016-2020). Currently is the UALG coordinator for the iHERITAGE project, ENI CBC MED Program (2020-2023).