The blockchain technology and the scope of its application in hospitality operations

• Published in: International journal of hospitality management 2020-05, Vol.87, p.102383, Article 102383
• Main Authors: Filimonau, Viachaslau, Naumova, Elena
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Blockchain; Digital technology; Disruptive innovation; Operations management; Supply chain management
• ISSN: 0278-4319; 1873-4693
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhm.2019.102383

•Explains the blockchain using plain business language.•Reviews examples of existing blockchain applications.•Evaluates the scope of blockchain integration in hospitality operations management.•Highlights challenges of prompter commercial uptake. The recently emerged concept of the blockchain technology (BCT) can disrupt the traditional realm of tourism and hospitality operations. While some research has looked into the implications of BCT for tourism management and marketing, no studies have explicitly considered the scope of its application in the context of hospitality operations management. This is arguably a major omission as available evidence points at the foremost potential of BCT to affect the nature of hospitality business. This study partially plugs this knowledge gap and, by reviewing examples of existing applications of BCT in various economic sectors and across different consumption markets, evaluates its potential for future integration into hospitality operations management. The framework of prospective use of BCT in the hospitality industry alongside the related organisational, institutional and technological challenges that need to be overcome for its wider industrial adoption are outlined.