Smart Tourism: Leveraging Digital Technologies For Sustainable Impact
The tourism industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the rapid adoption of digital technologies, which is not only enhancing the travel experience but also contributing to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Digitalization is set to continue shaping the travel experience, making it more seamless, frictionless, and high-quality. The integration of technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), location-based services, artificial intelligence (AI), augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), and blockchain technology is creating a tourism offer that is more attractive, efficient, inclusive, and sustainable. These technologies are facilitating innovation and rethinking processes, addressing challenges like seasonality and overcrowding, and developing smarter destinations. Digitalization is having a positive environmental impact by promoting innovations in manufacturing, smart assets, and efficient resource use, thereby contributing to a more sustainable industry footprint.
Much like smartphones revolutionized telecommunications, a comprehensive smart travel model is set to transform tourism. This model includes smart visas, borders, security processes, and infrastructure. Passengers can now book flights and check in online, have boarding passes on their smartphones, go through automated clearance gates, and validate boarding passes electronically to board planes. According to recent surveys, 73% of passengers prefer these digital conveniences, which enhance both travel facilitation and security. A smart destination incorporates technology, innovation, sustainability, accessibility, and inclusivity throughout the tourism cycle: before, during, and after the trip. Smart destinations consider the needs of both residents and tourists, addressing multilingualism, cultural idiosyncrasies, and seasonality in tourism planning. By continuously and accurately measuring, integrating, and analysing data, smart destinations enable efficient decision-making and prioritization of challenges, creating a seamless and exciting experience for tourists while managing local resources efficiently.
Furthermore, smart destinations make tourism governance more inclusive through entities like boards, trusts, or foundations that represent all public and private stakeholders. They ensure maximum accessibility in sites, products, and services, eliminating barriers to mobility. Technology-based data tools, such as remote sensors and big data management systems, help destination managers understand and manage the impact of seasonality on tourism and sustainability. The future of travel is technology-based, necessitating tourism jobs that require both technical and advanced soft skills for implementing and managing smart initiatives. The digital transformation in tourism will significantly impact the sector's workforce, which represents 1 in every 10 jobs worldwide. Intelligent automation will not only change the nature of some travel jobs, but it will also generate new employment opportunities. Startups and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are key drivers of technology-based innovation and entrepreneurship in tourism. Strengthening these entities is crucial for developing the skills needed for future jobs. The sector should prioritize boosting technology- and skills-based education, training, and policies that stimulate innovation and decent employment.
The digital transformation of the tourism industry is not just a technological evolution; it is a pathway to achieve sustainable development. By leveraging advanced technologies, the industry can create a more efficient, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable future for tourism. As digitalization continues to reshape the sector, the focus must remain on fostering innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability to ensure a positive impact on both the industry and society.