Digital Technologies and Tourism Development in Western Libya

Abstract

This study examines the strategic role of modern technologies in the development of the tourism sector in Western Libya, within an economic context seeking to diversify income sources and reduce structural dependence on oil. The research arises from a dual reality combining vast touristic and cultural assets with structural and planning weaknesses that hinder their effective exploitation. The study adopted descriptive, historical and analytical methods, and gathered data through a questionnaire administered to 320 respondents from tourism-sector stakeholders; the data were analysed using SPSS. The empirical results reveal the absence of effective strategic planning for technological deployment: 63.1% reported weak internet services, 52.2% pointed to limited corporate websites, and 66.3% highlighted a lack of diversified promotional channels. The study proposes a unified technological vision through the establishment of a National Tourism Council. Its econometric projections suggest that implementing digital reforms could raise tourist arrivals and revenues by 15–20% in the short term and by 80–100% in the long term, ultimately enabling tourism to contribute 10–15% to national GDP.