Vladimir Karadzhov1, Radost Yuleva-Chuchulayna2
1 Chief Assistant Professor, PhD (Economic and Social Geography), Department of Geography, Ecology, and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
2 Chief Assistant Professor, PhD (Economics and Management), Department of Business Management and Marketing, Faculty of Economy
1, 2 South-West University “Neofit Rilski” – Blagoevgrad
ORCID IDs: 1 0000-0002-7514-5517 2 0000-0002-0755-5776
Corresponding Author: Vladimir Karadzhov, karadzhov@swu.bg
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https://doi.org/10.63711/ijdr.net20250402
ABSTRACT
This article investigates the growing virtual security risks in tourism that accompany the rapid expansion of digital technologies and online travel services. It examines the most critical cyber threats affecting tourists and businesses – such as phishing, financial fraud, data breaches, and manipulation of digital travel documents – and evaluates their implications for trust, safety, and economic stability within the tourism sector. Using a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative case studies and quantitative data from cybersecurity reports, the study identifies the most prevalent incidents and their regional dynamics. Special attention is given to emerging solutions including blockchain-based verification systems, artificial-intelligence-driven fraud detection, and biometric authentication, which offer promising mechanisms for mitigating digital risks. The article also presents a concise ten-step cybersecurity guide for tourists, offering practical measures to enhance personal digital safety while traveling. By aligning theoretical insights with actionable recommendations for both tourists and industry stakeholders, the paper contributes to the development of a secure digital ecosystem that supports sustainable and technologically resilient tourism worldwide.
Keywords: Cybersecurity in tourism, Phishing and financial fraud, Data breaches, Digital resilience, Sustainable travel technologies
JEL Codes: Z32, O33, L86, M15, Q01
Research Area: Tourism Security, Risk Management
Copyright © 2025 The Author(s). This article is licensed under CC BY 4.0.
