E-tourism: Definition, development and conceptual framework

E-Tourism is an objective reality. Its dynamics and fast-accelerating development cause significant change to the traditional model of the classical tourism system. The creation of an e-tourism system is a logical sequence of the digitalization of all processes in the value chain of the travel and tourism industry. The purpose of the article is, based on analysis of the factors and conditions of emergence and development of e-tourism, to construct and perform a conceptual framework of an e-tourism system. Specialized sources of secondary data have been studied and conceptual basis of the theoretical framework has been defined. E-tourism is identified as a process and key characteristics of its nature have been performed. The following research methods and scientific approach have been applied: theoretical exploratory approach; systematic and chronological approach; systematic screening of academic publications; analysis and synthesis; content analysis. The result of the scientific research is construction of a conceptual (theoretical) framework of the e-tourism system, introducing basic groups (subsystems) and integrated components and identifying the specific interactions between them.