Technology transfer for sustainable tourism: A systemic model based on case studies and SDG-driven innovation

This article investigates how technology transfer contributes to sustainable tourism when aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The main objective is to design and validate the Integrated Model for Technology Transfer in Sustainable Tourism (IMTTS), a systemic framework structured around four analytical dimensions: technological innovation, environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and institutional alignment. In terms of its methodology, the research adopts a mixed-methods approach that combines a systematic literature review (2019–2024) with two contrasting case studies. The first is the Tourism Data Space (TDS) in the Balearic Islands, representing an institutional and data-driven innovation model; the second is Couchsurfing, a decentralized, peer-based platform fostering community engagement, cultural exchange, and low-impact tourism. These cases illustrate distinct governance models and reveal the enabling conditions and limitations that affect the adoption of emerging technologies in tourism systems. The study identifies Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain as key technologies transforming resource optimization, visitor experience personalization, and sustainability certification. However, persistent challenges such as high implementation costs, infrastructure deficits, digital literacy gaps, and fragmented regulatory frameworks constrain their widespread application—especially in developing regions. The IMTTS proposes a phased roadmap for implementation and offers actionable recommendations for governments, tourism enterprises, and local communities, emphasizing stakeholder collaboration, regulatory harmonization, and capacity building. The model aligns strategically with SDGs 8, 10, 12, and 13, and constitutes both a theoretical and practical tool. Ultimately, this research contributes to bridging the gap between digital innovation and sustainable development, offering a replicable, flexible framework for destinations seeking inclusive, resilient, and SDG-oriented tourism transformation.