Abstract: This study aims to analyze the impact of digital readiness on tourism competitiveness, highlighting the mediating role of digital human capital in advanced and emerging economies. The study is based on the assumption that the availability of digital infrastructure and modern technologies alone is not sufficient to achieve high tourism competitiveness; rather, it requires qualified human resources capable of effectively utilizing these capabilities. The descriptive-analytical approach was adopted through examining the fundamental concepts related to digital readiness, tourism competitiveness, and digital human capital, as well as analyzing the theoretical relationships among them. The study found that digital readiness contributes directly to improving the quality of tourism services, facilitating access to information, and enhancing the efficiency of tourism institutions. However, its impact on tourism competitiveness becomes more effective when supported by qualified digital human capital. The findings also revealed that this mediating role is more evident in advanced economies than in emerging ones due to the gap in digital skill levels. Therefore, strengthening investment in digital competencies is considered a fundamental prerequisite for transforming digital readiness into a sustainable competitive advantage in the tourism sector. Keywords: Digital Readiness, Tourism Competitiveness, Digital Human Capital, Digital Transformation, Tourism Sector.
Dr.DILMI Nadjet (Fri,) studied this question.