Conclusion

By recognizing the importance of tourism as a socioeconomic phenomenon, this book has contributed to the advancement of the knowledge in the fields of tourism management, marketing, and development, with a specific focus on the role of physical and digital networks and Information and Communcation Technologies (ICTs). The first theme that can be identified is the importance of cooperative networks and collaborative ventures between the diverse and multifaceted stakeholders of a tourism destination. The second common theme that clearly emerges from the volume is the ever-increasing importance of digital networks and ICTs. ICTs not only are generating a major shift in the performance of individuals and companies involved in the tourism sector (e.g., by increasing efficiency and effectiveness in the reservation and booking processes), but also have a significant impact on the way individuals consume services and enjoy experiences in space and time. The third common topic is related to the importance and the role of network structures, be them digital (see Part I of the book) or physical (see Part II of the book). Their evolution inf luences a number of aspects crucial for the development of a tourism destination such as cooperation ( Chapters 8 and 9 ), performance ( Chapters 2 and 7 ), information ( Chapters 1 , 2 , 3 , and 6 ), and knowledge f lows ( Chapters 2 , 3 , and 6 ).