The integration of advanced technologies and data-driven solutions has become increasingly pivotal in enhancing the sustainability and competitiveness of tourism destinations. This study explores the scope of smart infrastructure within the context of smart cities, focusing on its implications for sustainable tourism development. The chapter provides a comprehensive review of the existing literature and investigates the potential synergies between smart cities and sustainable tourism development, emphasizing the role of smart infrastructure in optimizing tourist experiences, minimizing environmental impacts, and improving the overall quality of tourism destinations. The study examines challenges, future directions, and successful case studies related to the implementation of smart infrastructure in smart cities for promoting sustainable tourism. The findings provide valuable insights for academic researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals seeking to leverage smart technologies for sustainable tourism development.
Top1. Introduction
Rapid urbanization, technological advancements, heightened environmental awareness, and the explosive growth of the user base of the global mobile Internet and smart devices have transformed the supply side and consumer behavior (Huang et al., 2017). The technology has evolved into a fundamental necessity, surpassing its previous role as a supplementary tool. This transformation is evident in the widespread adoption of smart technologies, spanning various domains such as civil infrastructures, city managers, educational services, and essential infrastructure of urban centers (Hall et al., 2000). Society's increasing demand for better infrastructure and services, coupled with advancements in technology, has given rise to the concept of 'smart infrastructure' (Ogie et al., 2017). By laying the foundational framework with smart infrastructure, the path to embracing the concept of a smart city becomes not just possible, but also vital for driving sustainable urban advancement (Boes et al., 2016a).
The smart cities concept has emerged as a promising approach to address the complex challenges faced by urban areas while simultaneously enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. The foundational pillars of a smart city encompass Smart Economy, Smart Mobility, Smart Living, Smart Environment, Smart People, and Smart Governance, including aspects such as research, sustainable transportation, recreational areas, resource management, citizen education, and efficient governance (Jasrotia & Gangotia, 2018). Smart cities, with their emphasis on leveraging technology to enhance urban operations and services, provide an ideal platform to foster sustainable tourism development. Buhalis (2000) explained that Smart tourism destinations emerge as synergistic amalgamations of tourism offerings, originating from the foundational framework of smart cities.
The global landscape of tourism is undergoing a profound transformation. The multifaceted nature of tourism calls for a holistic approach that goes beyond the conventional paradigms, emphasizing the interconnectedness of various aspects such as transportation, accommodation, cultural experiences, and environmental sustainability (Dabeedooal et al., 2019). At the heart of these innovative urban paradigms lies the integration of smart infrastructure – a fusion of digital technologies, data-driven systems, and sustainable practices – designed to create more efficient, resilient, and appealing destinations. The contemporary trend of incorporating intelligent technologies within tourism destinations, with the intent of enhancing tourists' experiences and augmenting their satisfaction, is gaining prominence due to its contribution towards optimizing the management efficiency of tourism resources, as well as fostering the sustainable utilization of resources (Zhang et al., 2022). This integration of smart capabilities within tourism destinations necessitates the facilitation of information exchange among stakeholders, thereby augmenting their decision-making processes and ultimately allowing tourism service providers to deliver enhanced and novel experiences to tourists (Jasrotia & Gangotia, 2018).