Authors :
Jeizel Monica Jalasco Desacula; John Melvin Encinas Lascota
Volume/Issue :
Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 1 - January
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/3t5sw9jc
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/mr8snnw7
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jan331
Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.
Abstract :
This study assessed the readiness of tourism Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Sorsogon City for e-
commerce integration, using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as the framework. The data were collected from
the official list of enterprises that offer accommodation, food, souvenirs, crafts, wellness, and leisure services. The results
indicated that most of the MSMEs operating for more than six years with small asset size and limited employees perceived
themselves as “ready” for digital integration. Statistical analysis revealed that asset size and business size significantly
influenced readiness, while the length of business operation showed no significant relationship for e-commerce readiness.
Post hoc comparisons further indicated the differences in the level of readiness across enterprises. The study recommends
that tourism MSMEs can enhance digital capabilities through training, financial support, and specialized e-commerce
solutions, while policymakers should develop or establish innovative and sustainable programs. To enable market
expansion and effectively contribute to the local economic growth, the digital adoption of tourism MSMEs must be
strengthened.
Keywords :
E-Commerce Readiness, E-Commerce Integration, Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Tourism MSMEs.
References :
- Abdulhakeem, I., et. al. (2017). E-Commerce Readiness of SMEs in Developing Countires: A Model-Driven Systematic Literature Review. Catherine’s College, Oxford, UK. http://sure.sunderland.ac.uk/id/eprint/7189/
- Ahmad, S., et. al. (2015). An Empirical Study of Factors Affecting e-Commerce Adoption among Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises in a Developing Country: Evidence from Malaysia. Information Technology for Development. https://doi.org/10.1080/02681102.2014.899961
- Armenakis, A. et. al. (1993). Readiness. Human Relation. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/001872679304600601
- Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management Sri Lanka (A-PAD SL). (2022). Resilient Tourism: A Guide for MSMEs in the Tourism Sector – Sri Lanka. Connecting Business Initiative. https://www.connectingbusiness.org/sites/default/files/ downloads/publication/Resilient%20Tourism%20%20A%20Guide%20for%20MSMEs%20in%20the%20Tourism%20Sector%20-%20Sri%20Lanka.pdf
- Bangisan, J., et. al. (2023). Level of e-commerce application by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. International Journal of Research Studies in Management. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrsm.2023.1007
- Barney, J. (2021). Firm Resources and Sustained Competitive Advantage. Journal Management. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/014920639101700108
- Barooah, I. (2025, November 19). Descriptive Correlational Research Design: Best Practices and Examples. Merren. https://merren.io/blogs/descriptive- correlationalresearch/.
- BigCommerce Team. (n.d.). Small Business Ecommerce: How to Go Digital in a Big Market. https://www.bigcommerce.com/articles/ecommerce/small-businessecommerce/
- Dadis, D. (2022, May 1). How E-Commerce helps create more jobs for Filipinos. Xendit. https://www.xendit.co/en-ph/blog/how-e-commerce-helps-create-more-jobs-for-filipinos/
- Daniel, E. and Grimshaw, D. (2002). An exploratory comparison of electronic commerce adoption in large and small enterprises. Journal of Information Technology. https://doi.org/10.1080/0268396022000018409
- Davis, F. D. (1989). Technology acceptance model: TAM. Al-Suqri, MN, Al-Aufi, AS: Information Seeking Behavior and Technology Adoption. https://quod.lib.umich.edu/b/busadwp/images/b/1/4/b1409190.0001.001.pdf
- Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). (n.d.). 2023 Philippine MSME Statistics. https://www.dti.gov.ph/resources/msme-statistics/
- Department of Trade and Industry. (2023). MSME Development Plan 2023–2028. https://www.dti.gov.ph/dti-business-center/dti-msme-development-plan
- Dharmaraj, S. (2025, April 14). The Philippines: MSME Growth Through Innovation and Technology. https://opengovasia.com/2025/04/14/the-philippines-msme-growth through-innovation-and-technology
- Esteves, S.L. and Gurat, M.G. (2024). Mathematics Teachers’ Attitude and Readiness for Utilizing Computer-Aided Instruction During the Pandemic. American Journal of Applied Mathematics and Statistics. 12 (3), 35-40. doi: 12691/ajams-12-3-1
- Fuster, J.I. de A. (2022, January 26). The importance of revitalising the tourism industry’s digitalisation. Sectoral Analysis: Tourism. https://www.caixabankresearch.com/en/sectoranalysis/tourism/importance-revitalising-tourism-industrys-digitalisation
- Google, Temasek, & Bain & Company. (2024). e-Conomy SEA 2024: Southeast Asia’s digital decade. https://economysea.withgoogle.com/
- Harsasi, M. et al. (January 2025). Analyzing the Key Drivers of E-Commerce Adoption in MSMEs: An Empirical Research in Indonesia. Apollo: Journal of Tourism and Business. Vol 3, Issue 1, pp.332-345. https://doi.org/10.58905/apollo.v3i1.430
- Iacurci, L. (April 2021). A Study of the Technology Acceptance Model for Social Media Adoption in Small & Medium Enterprises. Bryant University. https://digitalcommons.bryant.edu
- International Trade Administration. (2024, January 24). Philippines-eCommerce. Philippines Country Commercial Guides. https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/philippines-ecommerce
- Kabango, C.M. and Asa, A.R. (2015, April). Factors Influencing E-commerce Development: Implications for the Developing Countries. International Journal of Innovation and Economic Development. Volume 1, Issue 1. https://researchleap.com/factors-influencing-e-commerce-development-implications-for-the-developing-countries/
- Lopez, R. (n.d.). Trade chief: tourism helps MSMEs. Archived News: Department of Trade and Industry. https://www.dti.gov.ph/archives/news-archives/trade-chief-tourism-helps-msmes/
- Manila Bulletin. (2024, May 2). New MSME dev’t plan focused on digitalization – DTI. https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/2/new-msme-dev-t-plan-focused-on-digitalization-dti
- Manila Standard. (2023, October 24). UN, DICT launch digital program to train 15,000 small businesses. https://manilastandard.net/environmental-and-sustainability/314561500/un-dict-launch-digital-program-to-train-15000-small-businesses.html
- McKee, A. & Bransford, S. (2024, April 19). Fundamentals of Sociology. Modernization Definition. Modified on June 8, 2024. https://docmckee.com/oer/soc/sociology-glossary/modernization-definition/?amp=1
- Michelotto, F., and Joia, L. (2024). Organizational Digital Transformation Readiness: An Exploratory Investigation. Journal of Theoretical and Applied Electronic Commerce Research. https://doi.org/10.3390/jtaer19040159
- Middleton, V., and Clarke, J., (2001). Marketing in Travel and Tourism. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780080511108
- Napolitano, M.R. et al. (March 2015). In Search of an Integrated Framework of Business Longevity. Business History. 57. 1-15.10.1080/00076791.2014.993613
- Nathan, et. al., (2022). E-commerce Theory and Practice. https://www.alexispress.us/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/E-commerce-Theory-and-Practice.
- National Economic and Development Authority. (2023). Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028. https://pdp.depdev.gov.ph/philippine-development-plan-2023-2028/
- Navo, N. (2024, September 26). Empowering Philippine MSMEs Through Digital Transformation. https://beta.entrepreneurship.org.ph/2024/09/26/empowering-philippine-msmes-through-digital-transformation/
- Pedraza, J.M. (2021, February). The Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises and Its Role in the Economic Development of a Country. Business and Management Research. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/ 349440585_The_Micro_Small_and_Medium-Sized_Enterprises_and_Its_Role_in_the_Economic_Development_of_a_ Country
- Pérez-Gómez, P. et al. (2020). Profit Efficiency and its Determinants in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Spain. BRQ Business Research Quarterly, 21 (4), 238-250. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brq.2018.08.003
- Philippine Commission on Women. (n.d.). Addressing the Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic to Women Entrepreneurs. Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Sector. https://pcw.gov.ph/micro-small-and-medium-enterprises development/
- Pirmamatovna, M.A. & Karimov, A. (2024). The Role and Importance of Accommodation Services in the Development of Tourism. American Journal of Science on Integration and Human Development. Volume 02, Issue 04, 2024. ISSN (E):2993-2750.
- Porter, M., (1985). The Competitive Advantage: Creating and Sustaining Superior Performance. Free Press. https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/item.aspx?num=193
- Quimba, F. and Calizo, S. (2019). Determinants of e-commerce adoption of Philippine businesses. Philippine Institute for Development Studies. https://doi.org/10.62986/dp2019.24
- Rahayu, R. and Day, J. (2015). Determinant Factors of E-commerce Adoption by SMEs in Developing Country: Evidence from Indonesia. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.06.423.
- Raquiza, M.V.R. (2021). Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Sector Financing Issues and Challenges. UP CIDS DISCUSSION PAPER. UP-CIDS-Discussion Paper-2021-01.pdf
- Republic Act No. 10173. (2012). Data Privacy Act of 2012. Congress of the Philippines. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2012/08/15/republic-act-no-10173/
- Republic Act No. 10175. (2012). Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. Congress of the Philippines. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2012/09/12/republic-act-no-10175/
- Republic Act No. 10644. (2014). Go Negosyo Act. Congress of the Philippines. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2014/07/15/republic-act-no-10644/
- Republic Act No. 10929. (2017). Free Internet Access in Public Places Act. Congress of the Philippines. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2017/08/02/republic-act-no-10929/
- Republic Act No. 11032. (2018). Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018. Congress of the Philippines. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2018/05/28/republic-act-no-11032/
- Republic Act No. 11293. (2019). Philippine Innovation Act. Congress of the Philippines. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2019/04/17/republic-act-no-11293/
- Republic Act No. 11927. (2022). Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act. Congress of the Philippines. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2022/07/30/republic-act-no-11927/
- Republic Act No. 11967. (2023). Internet Transactions Act. Congress of the Philippines. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2023/12/05/republic-act-no-11967/
- Republic Act No. 8792. (2000). Electronic Commerce Act of 2000. Congress of the Philippines. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2000/06/14/republic-act-no-8792/
- Republic Act No. 9501. (2008). Magna Carta for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Congress of the Philippines. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2008/05/23/republic-act-no-9501/
- Republic of the Philippines. (2000). Republic Act No. 8792: Electronic Commerce Act of 2000. The Lawphil Project. https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2000/ra_8792_2000.html
- Republic of the Philippines. (2008). Republic Act No. 9501: Magna Carta for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The Lawphil Project. https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2008/ra_9501_2008.html
- Republic of the Philippines. (2022). Republic Act No. 11927: Philippine Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act. The Lawphil Project. https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2022/ra_11927_2022.html
- Republic of the Philippines. (2023). Republic Act No. 11967: Internet Transactions Act of 2023. The Lawphil Project. https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2023/ra_11967_2023.html
- RichestPH. (2021). How to use e-commerce to enhance the Filipino tourism industry. E-COMMERCE AND DIGITAL BUSINESS. https://richestph.com/how-to-use-e-commerce-to-enhance-the-filipino-tourism-industry/#google_vignette
- Rogers, E. M. (1962). Diffusion of Innovations. http://www.gbv.de/dms/ilmenau/toc/364512504.PDF
- Roldan, S. (2023). Adaptability to Digital Tourism by the Travel and Tour Operators in Albay. IJEBER. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1918-9056
- Ruiz, Y.F. (2024, July 14). MSMEs boost local tourism. Opinion: Daily Tribune. https://tribune-net-ph.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/tribune.net.ph/amp/story/2024/07/14/msmes-boost-local-tourism?amp_gsa=1&_js_v=a9&usqp=mq331AQIUAKwASCAAgM%3D#amp_ct=1748785046874&_tf=From%20%251%24s&aoh=17487849183557&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&share=https%3A%2F%2Ftribune.net.ph%2F2024%2F07%2F14%2Fmsmes-boost-local-tourism
- SATO Den. (2024, December 4). Current Status of E-commerce in the Philippines.Industry Trends. https://satoden.io/industry-trends/state-of-e-commerce-in-the-philippines/
- Semerádová, T. and Weinlich, P., (2022). The Broad and Narrow Definition of E-Commerce. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-93131-5_1
- Simon, T. (2024, July 15). The Importance of Proper Workforce Utilization. https://www.monitask.com/en/blog/the-importance-of-proper-workforce-utilization#:~:text=Workforce%
- Tambunan, T. (2009). Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/316250101_SMEs_in_Asian_Developing_Countries
- Tornatzky, L. and Fleischer, M. (1990). Technology Organization Model.1Library. https://1library.net/article/technology-organisation-environment-toe-model.yew0m04y
- Tzioras, N. (2018, October 16). The Internet as an Important Tool in the Tourism Industry and its Use in Customer Service. Expert Journal of Marketing. https://marketing.expertjournals.com/23446773-609/
- United Nations Philippines. (2023, October 24). New programme to close digital gap for 15,000 small businesses. https://philippines.un.org/en/288507-new-programme- close digital-gap-15000-small-businesses
- United Nations. (2025, June 27). Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises Day, 27 June. https://www.un.org/en/observances/micro-small-medium-businesses-day.
- United Nations. (n.d.). Goal 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. https://sdgs.un.org/goals
- Vaittenen, E., et. al., (2018). Business customers’ readiness to adopt manufacturer’s new services. Journal of Service Theory and Practice. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSTP‐03 2017‐0053
- Vuksanovic, N. et al. (January 2024). The Role of Culinary Tourism in Local Marketplace Business—New Outlook in the Selected Developing Area. DOI:10.3390/agriculture14010130.
- Werthner, H. and Ricci, F. (n.d.). E-COMMERCE AND TOURISM. Communications of the ACM. https://dl.acm.org/doi/pdf/10.1145/1035134.1035141
- Zande, J.V. (2024, May 24). Ecommerce: Electronic Commerce Definition. Benefits, Types, Examples. Forbes: Innovation. https://www.forbes.com/sites/sap/2024/05/24/ecommerce-electronic-commerce- definition-benefits-types-examples/
This study assessed the readiness of tourism Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Sorsogon City for e-
commerce integration, using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as the framework. The data were collected from
the official list of enterprises that offer accommodation, food, souvenirs, crafts, wellness, and leisure services. The results
indicated that most of the MSMEs operating for more than six years with small asset size and limited employees perceived
themselves as “ready” for digital integration. Statistical analysis revealed that asset size and business size significantly
influenced readiness, while the length of business operation showed no significant relationship for e-commerce readiness.
Post hoc comparisons further indicated the differences in the level of readiness across enterprises. The study recommends
that tourism MSMEs can enhance digital capabilities through training, financial support, and specialized e-commerce
solutions, while policymakers should develop or establish innovative and sustainable programs. To enable market
expansion and effectively contribute to the local economic growth, the digital adoption of tourism MSMEs must be
strengthened.
Keywords :
E-Commerce Readiness, E-Commerce Integration, Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Tourism MSMEs.