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Sustainable Tourism Through Digitalization and Smart Solutions

Author

Listed:
  • Glykeria Myrovali

    (Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Hellenic Institute of Transport, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • George Tzanis

    (Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Hellenic Institute of Transport, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Maria Morfoulaki

    (Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Hellenic Institute of Transport, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece)

Abstract

This paper examines whether digitalization and smart solutions can be a crucial factor for reaching sustainability in tourism. It employs a literature review in combination with a comparative case study analysis and empirical data from different areas of Europe. The methodology employs a structured questionnaire distributed to regional tourism stakeholders to assess the importance of smart transformation in their region, supported by both quantitative and qualitative analysis. This research is based on the findings of the Interreg Europe project “TAAS—Tourism as a Service; a 360 degrees tourism experience” and the areas that are part of it as case studies. Using inductive reasoning, this paper highlights the importance of smart, digital interaction among tourists, regions, stakeholders and policies. The results of the questionnaire provide concrete evidence on the perspective of stakeholders regarding digitalization and its role in enhancing the social, environmental and economic dimensions of tourism sustainability.

Suggested Citation

  • Glykeria Myrovali & George Tzanis & Maria Morfoulaki, 2025. "Sustainable Tourism Through Digitalization and Smart Solutions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-21, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:12:p:5383-:d:1676510
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    3. Glykeria Myrovali & Maria Morfoulaki & Thomai Mpaltzi, 2023. "Can Destination Cards Help to Shape Areas’ Sustainability?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-18, May.
    4. Allen, Cameron & Metternicht, Graciela & Wiedmann, Thomas, 2016. "National pathways to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A comparative review of scenario modelling tools," Environmental Science & Policy, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 199-207.
    5. Youssef El Archi & Brahim Benbba & Kai Zhu & Zineb El Andaloussi & László Pataki & Lóránt Dénes Dávid, 2023. "Mapping the Nexus between Sustainability and Digitalization in Tourist Destinations: A Bibliometric Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-16, June.
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