Abstract
The impact of information and communication technologies (ICTs) on firms’ strategic development and value creation has been a topic of academic debate for decades. Tourism is no exception. This chapter provides a synthesis of the literature on the strategic decision to adopt and use ICTs as well as an analysis of their impact on the value creation of tourism firms. We reflect on theoretical frameworks and analytical concepts developed and validated by tourism scholars, their implications for ICT use, and the factors affecting the realization of ICT-enhanced business value. Problems of measurement, analysis, and organizational adjustments appear as major factors behind volatile ICT productivity in tourism, known as the ICT Productivity Paradox. To ensure the realization of ICT-enhanced business value, various adjustment strategies, including the development of firms’ capabilities, cultures, and organizational structures, are addressed. The discussion section critically assesses the reviewed literature on the strategic use of ICTs in tourism. Finally, the conclusion deduces research needs and sketches an agenda for future research. © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022.