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Towards a Reconceptualization of the Smart Tourism Framework for Small Destinations: Findings from Five Small Mountain Destinations in Switzerland

In: Information and Communication Technologies in Tourism 2026

Author

Listed:
  • Mauro Luis Gotsch

    (University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons, Institute for Tourism & Leisure)

  • Michael Beier

    (University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons, Swiss Institute for Entrepreneurship)

Abstract

The concept of “Smart Tourism” has been the guiding principle in the digitalization efforts of most destination management organizations (DMOs) since the COVID-19 pandemic. DMOs across the world aim to collect and analyze destination-wide data, then build tools that help local businesses improve their visitor experience. In doing so, both DMOs and local businesses aim to create more sustainable offerings, improve the destination’s image, and increase the resilience of the entire destination through more efficient management processes. However, while the past decade has produced multiple promising applications of smart technologies in the tourism industry—especially for urban destinations—small and rural destinations have struggled with adapting smart technologies at the same rate. Drawing on qualitative data from five Alpine destinations, this study supports a reconceptualization of the smart tourism framework for smaller, rural contexts. The framework emphasizes that “smartness” emerges through community-centered governance and social embedding of technology as opposed to the technology-centric focus of previous smart destination models. The results offer practical guidance on how such destinations can adopt smart technologies and build smart destination ecosystems while addressing regional challenges.

Suggested Citation

  • Mauro Luis Gotsch & Michael Beier, 2026. "Towards a Reconceptualization of the Smart Tourism Framework for Small Destinations: Findings from Five Small Mountain Destinations in Switzerland," Springer Proceedings in Business and Economics, in: Peter O'Connor & Mattia Rainoldi & Julia Neidhardt (ed.), Information and Communication Technologies in Tourism 2026, chapter 43, pages 637-650, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:prbchp:978-3-032-23925-9_43
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-23925-9_43
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