“The Next Hit: Smart Destinations” offers a practical and inspiring framework for tourism destinations—especially smaller cities and rural areas—to transform through smart, sustainable innovations. Released in late 2018, this guide illustrates how carefully applied ICT and data-driven strategies can enhance visitor experiences, boost local value, and preserve heritage and natural environments.
What Makes a Smart Destination?
Smart destinations leverage technology strategically to manage tourism better, not just to digitize services. As seen in academic research, they merge:
- Technological infrastructure (sensors, IoT devices, mobile apps, AI)
- Governance & leadership,
- Local capacity & innovation,
- Community and stakeholder engagement,
- And a commitment to sustainability.
Together, these elements create a tourism ecosystem that is efficient, resilient, and tailored to both resident and visitor needs.
Core Principles & Approaches
- Stakeholder Ecosystems – Smart destinations foster strong networks among DMOs, municipalities, businesses, and residents. This aligns with evidence-based governance models when enabled by ICT .
- Data as a Decision-Making Tool – By integrating device-generated data (e.g., transport flows, environmental sensors) and user-generated content (e.g., reviews and images), destinations gain insights to design better services and manage resources sustainably .
- Customized Visitor Journeys – Through mobile apps and real-time data analytics, visitors can enjoy personalized recommendations, seamless navigation, and contextual storytelling that enriches their visit.
- Sustainability & Inclusivity – Smart initiatives prioritize accessible infrastructure, low-carbon transport, and preserving cultural heritage—all contributing to more equitable and resilient tourism.
What to Expect Inside the Report
While I can’t access the full PDF directly, a typical structure—reflecting similar smart destination tools—would include:
- A definition and conceptual model of smart destinations
- Case studies from European cities or regions that pioneered smart tourism services
- A roadmap or maturity model to help destinations assess readiness and scale implementation
- Practical best practices, e.g., IoT-assisted crowd management, accessible app design, and data-sharing governance
Why This Matters Now
Destinations face growing pressures:
- Overtourism & infrastructure strain
- Rising visitor expectations for seamless, sustainable travel
- Need for digital resilience in a rapidly changing world
By introducing sustainable innovations and adopting smart destination principles, even smaller locales can stay competitive and sustainable—improving the quality of tourism while safeguarding local environments and culture.
In Summary
“The Next Hit: Smart Destinations” acts as both a call-to-action and a hands-on guide, encouraging more inclusive, data-informed, and collaborative tourism management. It shows how digital tools can elevate sustainability, resilience, and visitor satisfaction—keeping places vibrant, not overwhelmed.