Mobile Applications and Green Economy as a Factor of Transformation in the Tourism Sector: Theoretical Contexts, User Expectations, and Development Perspectives

In the face of escalating global challenges related to the climate crisis, depletion of natural resources, and growing social inequalities, tourism—one of the fastest-growing industries worldwide—must undergo a transformation toward more responsible travel planning and implementation. In this context, the concepts of the green economy and sustainable tourism provide valuable inspiration. Despite widespread consensus on the validity of these concepts, their implementation across various regions encounters numerous social, political, technological, and cultural challenges. Mobile applications used during tourist activities can play a pivotal role as widespread carriers of values and ideas aligned with the principles of the green economy and sustainable development. This article focuses on two key areas. The first outlines theoretical frameworks for leveraging mobile applications to shape travelers’ attitudes in accordance with the green economy and sustainable development principles. The second area refers to original research on user preferences and expectations regarding sustainable solutions in mobile applications. The findings of the research indicate that mobile applications possess a vast potential to influence tourists’ decisions and behaviors. In this context, they can serve as a critical factor in supporting the transformation of the tourism industry towards the objectives of sustainable development and the green economy.