Jacques Bulchand-Gidumal

Dr. Jacques Bulchand-Gidumal is a Professor in the Department of Economics and Business Management at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), where he is also affiliated with the Institute of Tourism and Sustainable Economic Development (IU TIDES) and the GIR TIDES research group focused on Entrepreneurship, Digital Business and Innovation. His research bridges tourism economics with digital transformation, examining how emerging technologies reshape tourism business models and destination management.

Dr. Bulchand-Gidumal's academic credentials include:

• Ph.D. in Business Administration from ULPGC (2002), with dissertation on 'Information and communication system and technology planning as a means of using knowledge: Application to ULPGC'
• Master's Degree in Information Systems Management from Madrid Polytechnic University
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from ULPGC, where he received the Best Academic Record award
• English Aptitude Certificate from the Official School of Languages

His research program explores the intersection of tourism, technology, and socioeconomic development, with particular focus on sharing economy platforms, artificial intelligence applications, and automation impacts on tourism employment. Dr. Bulchand-Gidumal employs mixed-method approaches that combine quantitative analysis of tourism data with qualitative insights from industry practitioners, producing research with both theoretical rigor and practical relevance for destination managers.

Recent publications demonstrate his evolving research trajectory toward examining the complete customer journey in digital tourism environments, the socioeconomic impacts of tourism development, and methodological innovations for studying work automation. His work consistently addresses how digital transformation creates both challenges and opportunities for sustainable tourism development, with increasing attention to resident well-being and employment quality in tourism-dependent economies.

His notable recognitions include:

• VIII Premio AECIT al Mejor Artículo de Investigación en Turismo 2022
• Inclusion in the list of 150 most influential figures in Spanish tourism sector (2024)
• Appointment as President of IFITT (International Federation for IT and Travel & Tourism) in January 2024

Dr. Bulchand-Gidumal has supervised numerous doctoral theses and directed end-of-degree projects, shaping the next generation of tourism researchers. His research collaborations span international institutions, and he serves as a key advisor to industry stakeholders on digital innovation in tourism. As President of IFITT, he leads global efforts to advance research at the critical intersection of tourism and information technology.

His leadership in the Institute of Tourism and Sustainable Economic Development (IU TIDES) focuses on developing frameworks that leverage digital innovation for sustainable tourism development while addressing community well-being and economic resilience in island destinations. His podcast appearances and public engagements demonstrate his commitment to translating academic research into accessible knowledge for broader audiences.