Smart tourism destinations: ecosystems for tourism destination competitiveness

Boes, K., Buhalis, D. and Inversini, A. (2016) Smart tourism destinations: ecosystems for tourism destination competitiveness. International Journal of Tourism Cities, 2 (2). pp. 108-124. ISSN 2056-5607 doi: 10.1108/IJTC-12-2015-0032

Abstract/Summary

Purpose – Grounded in service-dominant (S-D) logic, the purpose of this paper is to explore the core components of smartness to present a framework for the development of the smart tourism destination. Design/methodology/approach – The paper explores the core components of smartness through case study analysis of well-established smart cities. Findings – The paper conceptualises smartness and argues ICT, leadership, innovation and social capital supported by human capital are core components of smartness. Although ICT is a critical enabler for smart tourism destinations, it is insufficient on its own to introduce smartness. The combination of hard and soft smartness components within a S-D logic ecosystem structure holds the potential for sustained competitive advantage and enhancement of quality of life of both residents and tourists in smart tourism destinations. Originality/value – The paper extends the application of S-D logic to the context of smart tourism destinations, specifically to examine the smartness concept as a means for competitiveness in tourism destinations.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/75357
Identification Number/DOI	10.1108/IJTC-12-2015-0032
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Henley Business School > Marketing and Reputation
Publisher	Emerald
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