Bridging the digital divide: Exploring digitalization's role in sustainable tourism for BRI countries

The integration of digitalization and sustainable tourism presents a distinct opportunity for promoting equitable economic growth, especially within the context of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This study examines the interaction between digital infrastructure, tourism, and sustainable development, highlighting the essential role of digitalization in influencing economic results. To this end, critical digital metrics, such as ICT imports, broadband penetration, and secure server density, are examined in conjunction with tourism revenues and employment indicators to assess their collective effects on sustainability. Applying an extended Solow Growth model alongside the two-step system Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) approach to 39 BRI nations over the last decade suggests that secure digital infrastructure, particularly broadband and secure servers, significantly enhances the employment impact of tourism. These findings emphasize the value of targeted digital investment and inclusive policy frameworks. The study contributes to the integration of Sustainable Tourism Theory and Digital Transformation Theory by providing empirical insights into their combined relevance for sustainable development.