Exploring the Role of Cybersecurity in Enhancing Digital Trust of Egyptian Travel Agencies

Abstract

The travel and tourism sector 's cyber ecosystems have been highly exposed to security risks, as this sector is being highly digitalized adopting emerging technologies. Despite a lot of evidence indicating the increasing vulnerability of travel and tourism systems to cybersecurity threats, there is still limited literature applied on the tourism sector. Hence, this research aims at enhancing awareness of the application of cybersecurity and the related term of cyber hygiene, as well clarifying the importance of cybersecurity in tourism and its role in reinforcing digital trust of travel agencies. A survey was designed and distributed to a random sample of relevant managers and employees in Egyptian travel agencies to identify the extent of interest of cybersecurity in Egyptian travel agencies and its role in enhancing digital trust, 403 valid responses were analyzed by using SPSS Version. 28. The findings of this research proved that travel agencies which have an interest in cybersecurity can strengthen the digital trust of their customers. The research recommended the need for travel agencies to educate employees in cybersecurity, the necessity of having a department specialized in cybersecurity, and taking the necessary procedures to secure tourism networks, due to the effective role of cybersecurity in achieving digital trust.