This article discusses the use of social media by different generations in destination marketing from a sustainable tourism perspective. In the light of the global COVID-19 pandemic, intensive marketing efforts and strategies to bring back sustainable tourism will soon become important. Social media (SM) can significantly support the promotion of destinations by guaranteeing an appropriate number and type of tourists. The article examines the frequency of using social media by different generations and the scope of their use in planning a tourist trip. The research was conducted in Poland on a sample of 397 respondents representing the group of Baby Boomers (BB), as well as Generations X, Y, and Z. The results of the research showed that the frequency of using SM decreases with age. The differences between the generations are visible in such behaviours as using SM to check opinions about tourist places, recommending a holiday with positive opinions and comments in SM, as well as resigning from a holiday based on negative opinions and comments.

The problem of overtourism, i.e., tourist congestion in visited places, and the negative impacts of tourists on the environment and residents, are increasingly noticeable with the increase in popularity of tourism. In addition, human impact on the environment is often negative in relation to the assumptions of the concept of sustainable development. However, the attitude of tourists to the problem of overtourism may vary depending on their ages, because, as in every aspect of life, there are intergenerational differences arising from the political, economic or technological development of the times in which a given generation grew up. The main purpose of the article is to examine the public awareness of the phenomenon of overtourism in the context of intergenerational differences, as well as to determine the impact of tourists on the places visited and the local community. The study was conducted on a sample of 386 respondents representing the X, Y, and Z generations. The study results showed that there is awareness among all generations of respondents about the problem of overtourism, although indifference to this phenomenon was demonstrated by the youngest respondents (Z generation). The respondents also agreed on individual elements of their own impact on the environment and residents, but with different determinations. The article ends with recommendations on the introduction of various management practices that should be implemented in order to make tourism more responsible and sustainable in the future. It is proposed that a road map should be compiled at the local level for sustainable tourism development.

In the light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial to manage tourist destinations to allow the recovery of tourism on the one hand and reduce its negative impact on the environment and the local community on the other. Information provided via social media (SM) by both residents and tourists can help restart tourism. This paper identifies ways of sharing travel experiences by tourists on social media. The research was conducted in Poland on a sample of 271 respondents from each generation using questionnaires. Results showed that the way tourists use SM during and after their trip differs by generation and gender what could be used in promoting responsible behaviour for sustainable tourism. Differences between generations can be observed in behaviours such as ongoing planning the trip, obtaining information about the place to stay, keeping a photo album for friends, and writing reviews. Moreover, more often than men, women use SM to obtain information about the place of stay and share their impressions of the trip by sending MMS or emails. Tracking tourists’ travel behaviour on social media will allow city managers to gather information and respond to their needs and expectations and ensure effective urban management and city promotion.

The pivotal role of digital transformation (DT) in contemporary socio-economic development cannot be overstated. This crucial aspect is highlighted in the Agenda 2030, specifically in goal 9 among the 17 objectives. This article presents the results of a study assessing the level of DT in industry, innovation, and infrastructure in the 27 European Union (EU) countries in 2015 and 2020. Central to this study is the proposition of an aggregated Digital Transformation Assessment Indicator (DTAI), serving as a metric to gauge the progression of EU member states. Utilizing this indicator, the article assesses the advancement status of EU countries and orchestrates a comparative ranking of their achievements in fulfilling Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9 between 2015 and 2020. Moreover, a classification of countries into analogous groups based on this criterion for both periods is provided. The DTAI is prepared following the methodology of the linear ordering of objects—countries of the EU 27. The zero unitarization method (ZUM) is used as the main ordering method. To compare the results obtained, the DTAI value and classifications of countries in 2015, and 2020, are also presented using Hellwig’s pattern development method. The findings of this investigation underscore the variances existing among the EU 27 nations concerning the implementation of SDG 9. Furthermore, notable fluctuations in ranking positions are also observed. The research outcomes underscore significant challenges in DT implementation, particularly within Central, Eastern, and Southern European nations. The utilized research methodology bears substantial implications for the effective realization of the 2030 Agenda and its corresponding SDGs, both at the individual nation-state level and within the broader framework of the EU.

In the face of the current energy crisis and the need to implement the objectives of climate and energy policy, it seems necessary to examine energy efficiency. Accordingly, this article aims to assess the energy efficiency of European Union (EU) countries. The assessment is performed using data envelopment analysis (DEA), a non-parametric method of measurement of relative efficiency. Ireland recorded the highest energy efficiency both in 2013 and 2020. The average efficiency of all countries assessed was lower in 2020 than in 2013. The number of fully efficient countries had decreased in 2020 compared to 2013. The differentiation of countries in terms of energy efficiency had increased in 2020. The research made it possible to express the efficiencies of countries using a single indicator applied to establish countries’ rankings. The lowest-ranked states are encouraged to improve their technologies for transforming inputs into outputs following the technologies of the benchmark countries. Moreover, a new approach to defining and measuring energy efficiency is proposed. We define energy efficiency as the ratio of services, goods and/or energy obtained to the energy input. In analysing energy efficiency, we emphasise dynamic perspectives rather than static ones.

Theoretical background: The ongoing development of information technology (IT) has caused IT solutions to be increasingly applied in human resource management (HRM). The implementation of such solutions is highly advantageous to enterprises because they streamline the provision of services to job candidates and employees, and save time and money. This is particularly important for high-tech enterprises using the latest scientific and technological advances and innovative solutions.Purpose of the article: The objective of the study was to examine the use of IT tools in recruitment and selection, development and training, motivation, talent management and personnel services. Research methods: The research employed the case study method. Documentation analysis, interview techniques and observations were carried out in enterprises. The paper describes three case studies of high-tech companies headquartered in Silicon Valley in the United States.Main findings: High-tech enterprises in Silicon Valley deploy a wide range of IT tools for recruitment and selection, development and training, motivation, talent management and human resource (HR) services, thus supporting personnel management processes and increasing the efficiency of administrative tasks. The type and scope of the applied IT solutions depended on the size of the company. Large enterprises had a tendency to integrate specific tools used in HR processes into one employee management system. The research showed a number of advantages regarding IT tool implementation in HRM, such as improved HR management efficiency due to data integration, obtaining a better match between employee competences, their development capacities and company demands. Moreover, the use of IT tools increased employee engagement in the performance of tasks. The implementation of IT tools in HRM produces certain limitations since technologies can be static and information can be transferred in one direction only. Therefore, face-to-face relationships, opportunities for sharing opinions between employees and prospects for development are essential in enterprises because they impact employee engagement.