TOURISM MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVES

Integrating smart technologies and artificial intelligence to build smart tourism destination ecosystems: A model for smart destination management

Bingol, Serhat; Yang, Yang

Abstract

This study explores how smart technologies and artificial intelligence transform destination management into smart destination management in urban destinations in the United States. Hence, primary and secondary data were collected in ten cities in the United States through qualitative research to provide multiple perspectives. The secondary data consisted of smart technologies and artificial intelligence initiatives published by Destination Management/Marketing Organizations, Departments of Transportation, and Technology Offices across these cities. The authors also interviewed professionals from these organizations, including initiative leaders, project managers, marketing specialists, and data analysts. The study revealed that these destinations have created smart technologies and artificial intelligence initiatives to transform destination management into smart destination management by developing destination ecosystems. The study proposes a smart destination model that guides destinations in adopting smart technologies and artificial intelligence initiatives to build smart destination ecosystems. The results offer conceptual, theoretical, and practical applications for enhancing destination management.

Keywords

Smart tourism; Smart destination management; Smart destination ecosystem; Smart technologies; Artificial intelligence; United States

Research topic

Digital Platform and Pricing

Research method

Survey and Experiment

Geographic area

US

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Additional links for this paper

ResearchGate

Publisher Website

Web of Science

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