Conceptualising the impact of blockchain for promoting sustainable practices in the UK hospitality sector

This chapter critically discusses the transformative capacity of blockchain technology to foster sustainable tourism practices within the context of rapid growth in the global tourism industry. Although the recent growth experienced in the tourism sector is economically beneficial, it introduces significant environmental and social challenges, necessitating innovative solutions for sustainable development. This chapter aims to illuminate the pathways through which blockchain technology can facilitate a transition towards a sustainable visitor economy, with a particular focus on the post-pandemic recovery phase. From the foregoing, we propose a conceptual framework that highlights the pivotal role of blockchain technology in leading sustainable tourism development. This framework serves as a strategic guide, outlining potential avenues for the tourism industry to meet its sustainability objectives effectively. By doing so, it responds to the urgent call for innovative technologies that can reconcile the growth witnessed in the industry with the imperatives of environmental stewardship and social responsibility. This chapter offers a novel blueprint for integrating blockchain technology into tourism practices, thereby contributing to the academic dialogue on sustainable tourism. It underscores the capacity of blockchain to enhance transparency and traceability, thereby addressing some of the most pressing sustainability challenges faced by the industry. Through a conceptual analysis, we shed light on both the opportunities presented by blockchain and the obstacles that must be navigated for its successful implementation within the tourism sector.