Smart concept in rural tourism: a comparison between two phases (2016-2019)

Abstract

Smart Tourism is the main component of current destinations, however, there are severe difficulties for its application in small destinations. This problem is essential in the case of rural tourism. Taramundi is one of the most important rural destinations in Spain. There are two surveys about tourists conducted in 2016 and 2019. These surveys are about obtaining data on changes in the behavior of tourists in the dynamic field of mobile technologies. The results indicated the importance of the smartphone for rural tourism, the temporary growth in the use of its tourist utilities, and most importantly, the technological applications that improve the enjoyment stay. The rural tourist does not abandon the use of pre- and post-travel regarding Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), but the interest in Tics during travel increases significantly. Specifically, the App of Destiny is the central element of smart rural tourism, seeing that it should focus on the increase of new technographic utilities for tourists. In the perspective of Gretzel (2018), the application of the concept of Smart Tourist Destination is impossible in rural areas. However, with a specialization approach, rural destinations must work towards the goal of “smartification.”

The role of stakeholder in community based tourism (cbt)-based tourist village in Gentungan Village, Gondangrejo Sub District, Karanganyar Regency

“…Tourism village management will become more effective and efficient with the use of digitalization, which helps optimize the automation of labor, internal and external service processes, and cost efficiency. Digital transformation needs to be carried out simultaneously with technological advances and human resource capabilities [13] and should be analyzed based on the previous experience with technology application [57]. The introduction of technology use in the development of tourism sector in Embung Setumpeng tourist object in Gentungan tourist village was conducted to promote the tourism sector.…”

Strengthening the Resilience and Perseverance of Rural Accommodation Enterprises in the Iberian Depopulated Areas through Enterprise Architecture

“…Digitalization is a crucial enabler for reducing CO 2 emissions in rural tourism, but it requires training and skills development for both employees and employers [8]. It includes developing expertise in energy efficiency and information and communication technologies (ICTs) in destinations [59].…”

“…Smart tourism is a growing trend in rural tourism that appeals to tourists who value quality, service, and digital marketing for small and medium niche markets [8,9]. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the need for digitalization and sustainability in this business model.…”

“…Therefore, in the context of the evolving digital transformation and the changing behavior of tourists [3], especially in areas with low population density [4], the adaptation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the tourism sector, especially accommodation businesses, is crucial [5]. This requires a focus on digital experiences, quality assurance, and sustainability measures, including certifications [6] and leveraging the potential of smart tourism to serve a new type of digitally savvy tourist [7][8][9] while addressing challenges related to energy sustainability [10], telecommunication, and remote work opportunities [2].…”

Smart tourism destination: A bibliometric review

“…Central and local governments, travel agencies, transportation and accommodation businesses, tour operators, local people, and most importantly tourists are the elements in this STD ecosystem (Arenas et al, 2019). Ballina (2022) shows that smart tourism technologies as one of the main components of destinations today. Globally leading destinations are using smart tourism technologies to increase their long-term competitiveness by adapting themselves to rapid technological, social, and environmental changes.…”