Tourism enterprises in Indonesia and the fourth industrial revolution – are they ready?

ABSTRACT

Disruptive potential associated with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has received significant attention in the context of the tourism sector. However, although the inability of tourism enterprises to harness the 4IR can adversely impact tourism enterprises, it remains an underexplored topic in emerging economies. This research note responds to this gap and compares the 4IR readiness of tourism enterprises in two different Indonesian destinations: Bali and Labuan Bajo. The findings indicate that the extent of the digital divide between the two locations, in terms of access to digital infrastructure and perceived potential benefits associated with the 4IR, needs urgent policy attention in the context of post-COVID recovery.

KEYWORDS:

• Digital divide
• Fourth industrial revolution
• Indonesia
• post-COVID recovery
• tourism enterprises

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Subas P. Dhakal

Subas P. Dhakal is a Senior Lecturer at the University of New England (Australia). His research interest revolves around technology and innovation policies/strategies for sustainable development in Asia Pacific/South Asia.

Saskia P. Tjokro

Saskia P. Tjokro is the Head of ANGIN Impact (angin.id), the largest Angel Investment Network in Indonesia. She has conducted market research for several Indonesian tourism sectoral policies and holds an MBA degree from the University of Gadjah Mada with a focus on entrepreneurship.