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Strengths And Weaknesses Of Smart Tourism Destinations: A Cross-Generational Study

Author

Listed:
  • Elena BOTEZAT

    (Department of Management - Marketing, Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania)

  • Olimpia BAN

    (: Department of Management - Marketing, Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania)

  • Adela Laura POPA

    (Department of Management - Marketing, Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania)

  • Dorin Cristian COITA

    (Department of Management - Marketing, Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania)

  • Teodora Mihaela TARCZA

    (Department of Management - Marketing, Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania)

  • Lidia CHIRICOI

    (PhD student, Business Administration, Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Oradea)

Abstract

Transforming tourism destinations using technology that makes the travel process efficient and pleasant for different generational groups is crucial. Any attempt to achieve this goal should start with an analysis of the feedback tourists provide about their digital experience at a destination. This study was carried out to gain an understanding of the perceptions of Romanian tourists of the strengths and weaknesses of smart tourism destinations as the first part of any SWOT analysis designed to collect critical factors about the current situation aiming to improve it to remain on a highly competitive market. The empirical data was obtained from 628 tourists belonging to Baby Boomers, Generation X, Generation Y, and Generation Z. The results showed, after a MAXQDA Analytics Pro analysis, that for all four generations considered, the number of respondents who identified strengths is higher than those who mentioned weaknesses. The study also found more similarities than differences across generations in tourists' perceptions of smart technology. Beyond Wi-Fi, destination marketers should focus on internet signal quality and mobile apps for improved travel experiences. However, generational gaps emerged: older generations valued ease of use, while younger ones prioritized access to information apps. Gen Y identified virtual experiences as a weakness, while Gen Z highlighted problematic applications By leveraging these tourism destination strengths, marketers can optimize their digital strategies, ensuring relevance and resonance across diverse demographic segments. Moreover, such insights empower tourism destinations to innovate more effectively, meeting the evolving needs and expectations of each generation in an increasingly digital landscape.

Suggested Citation

  • Elena BOTEZAT & Olimpia BAN & Adela Laura POPA & Dorin Cristian COITA & Teodora Mihaela TARCZA & Lidia CHIRICOI, 2024. "Strengths And Weaknesses Of Smart Tourism Destinations: A Cross-Generational Study," Annals of Faculty of Economics, University of Oradea, Faculty of Economics, vol. 33(2), pages 238-251, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:ora:journl:v:2:y:2024:i:2:p:238-251
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Damien Chaney & Mourad Touzani & Karim Ben Slimane, 2017. "Marketing to the (new) generations: summary and perspectives," Post-Print hal-02047966, HAL.
    2. Pam Lee & William Cannon Hunter & Namho Chung, 2020. "Smart Tourism City: Developments and Transformations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-15, May.
    3. João Romão & Bart Neuts & Peter Nijkamp & Eveline van Leeuwen, 2015. "Culture, Product Differentiation and Market Segmentation: A Structural Analysis of the Motivation and Satisfaction of Tourists in Amsterdam," Tourism Economics, , vol. 21(3), pages 455-474, June.
    4. repec:plo:pone00:0156680 is not listed on IDEAS
    5. Olimpia-Iuliana Ban & Monica-Eva Faur & Elena-Aurelia Botezat & Florica Ștefănescu & Jozsef Gonczi, 2022. "An IPA Approach towards Including Citizens’ Perceptions into Strategic Decisions for Smart Cities in Romania," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(20), pages 1-20, October.
    6. Wang, Xia & Li, Xiang (Robert) & Zhen, Feng & Zhang, JinHe, 2016. "How smart is your tourist attraction?: Measuring tourist preferences of smart tourism attractions via a FCEM-AHP and IPA approach," Tourism Management, Elsevier, vol. 54(C), pages 309-320.
    7. Damien Chaney & Mourad Touzani & Karim Ben Slimane, 2017. "Marketing to the (new) generations: summary and perspectives," Post-Print hal-02541232, HAL.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    JEL classification:

    • M15 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - IT Management
    • M21 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Economics - - - Business Economics
    • Z32 - Other Special Topics - - Tourism Economics - - - Tourism and Development

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