The Impacts of European Union Digitalization Policies on Turkish Tourism: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

This study examines the impacts of the European Union (EU) digitalization policies, shaped by
the "Digital Decade 2030" goals, and "Twin Transition" strategies on Turkish tourism through a
comparative analysis. The primary focus of the research is the compatibility between the "datadriven
governance" model—being implemented by the EU via the DEPLOYTOUR project and
the Common European Tourism Data Space (ETDS) and Türkiye's existing digital tourism
ecosystem. Based on a literature review and secondary data analysis, the study highlights the
structural divergence between the EU’s "data sovereignty" approach, which treats data as a
strategic economic resource, and Türkiye's digitalization vision, which is predominantly centered
on promotion, marketing, and online visibility. The analysis reveals that despite high internet
penetration and digital tool usage in Türkiye, regional digital divides, delays in 5G infrastructure,
and institutional gaps in data sharing hinder the transition to a smart tourism ecosystem. The
paper argues that for Türkiye to maintain its competitiveness in the EU market, it must reconceptualize digitalization not merely as a technical tool but as a socio-technical governance
model integrated with the green transition.