Urban Economics and Planning

Urban Economics and Planning

Identification and Future Study of Infrastructures for Achieving Smart Tourism Destinations in Iran

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Vahid Nourmandi Pour 1
Amin Faraji 2
Mostafa Esmaeili Mahyari 3
1 Ph.D. Candidate in Tourism, Faculty of Tourism, College of Management, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Faculty of Management and Accounting, College of Farabi, University of Tehran, Qom, Iran
3 Ph.D. of Business Management, Faculty of Management and Accounting, College of Farabi, University of Tehran, Qom, Iran
10.22034/uep.2025.506741.1599
Abstract
Introduction 
In light of the advancements in information technology, smart tourism has emerged as a distinct step in the evolution of information and communication technologies within the tourism sector. It signifies a paradigm shift where tourism’s physical dimensions and governance aspects are integrated into the digital realm. In regions such as Asia and Europe, smart tourism has become a strategic priority for tourism development, and various countries around the globe have already initiated projects aimed at using this innovative approach. Statistics reveal that although the concept of smart tourism is relatively new, the global market for smart travel reached approximately 28.8 billion US dollars in 2023. With an annual compound growth rate of 16 percent, this figure is projected to soar to around 126.8 billion US dollars by 2033. Consequently, the multifaceted benefits of smart tourism for tourists, residents, managers, and other stakeholders underscore the urgent need to pursue its objectives and drive its development. Establishing the necessary infrastructure for this new generation of tourism represents the critical first step toward achieving smart tourism. This notion has been embraced in the policymaking and investment agendas of numerous countries. Thus, realizing smart tourism necessitates the development of robust infrastructure at various scales, serving as the foundation for implementing innovative strategies in tourism. This, in turn, facilitates the attainment of sustainability, competitiveness, and stakeholder satisfaction. In Iran, despite its substantial tourism potential, the realization of smart tourism destinations encounters several challenges. As tourism stands as one of the most significant economic sectors in the country, there is a pressing need to focus on modern infrastructure and cutting-edge technologies. In this context, the present study leverages the insights of experts in tourism and information and communication technologies through semi-structured interviews. The objective is to identify the key infrastructures essential for achieving smart tourism destinations in Iran and, by clarifying the relationships between various factors and their mutual influences with a future study approach, to offer practical solutions and recommendations that contribute effectively to the development of this concept.
Materials and Methods
This study employed a mixed-methods approach. The initial phase of the research was qualitative in nature, utilizing thematic analysis with the aim of identifying the pre-requisite infrastructures for realizing smart tourism within the current context of Iran. Semi-structured interviews were chosen as the primary instrument to collect data. Experts were selected through a purposive and available sampling method, which was subsequently extended using a snowball sampling technique. Consequently, interviews were conducted with key individuals active in the domains of smart technology and tourism in Tehran. Data saturation was achieved after conducting 12 interviews. A comprehensive six-step process was followed for data analysis and theme extraction. In the first step, the researchers familiarized themselves deeply with the content to grasp its richness. The second step involved coding the textual data into more interpretable segments. In the third step, these codes were organized into preliminary themes. The fourth step entailed refining these themes, and in the fifth step, the identified themes were defined and labeled based on the research objectives and existing literature. The sixth and final step comprised the analysis and final reporting of the findings. In the subsequent phase, to examine the network of infrastructures and their interrelationships in the process of realization and implementation and to conduct a future study analysis, a quantitative cross-impact analysis was performed using the MICMAC software. In this context, the infrastructures identified in the first phase were structured into matrices, and experts were requested to complete these matrices to delineate the mutual impacts among the various infrastructure components.
Findings
In the final analysis, 15 themes were identified, and based on the conducted interviews with informed individuals and a review of the existing literature, the infrastructures underpinning the realization of smart tourism were classified into two overarching categories: physical and digital infrastructures. The physical infrastructures, as defined by the organizing themes, include smart transportation systems, intelligent service and accommodation facilities, smart urban environments, technologically enhanced tourist attractions, physical safety and security equipment, and informational and cultural centers. The cross-impact analysis of these infrastructures revealed that approximately 67% of these components interact with one another, with information and communication technology (ICT) hardware exerting the greatest influence on the other elements. Alongside physical infrastructures, the development of digital infrastructures is equally critical for achieving smart tourism. According to the organizing themes, these digital infrastructures comprise tools for harnessing big data, smart managerial tools including dashboards and smart assistants, tourism information systems, accessible and free internet, online reservation and planning platforms, smart payment systems, digital security and protection of tourist data and an integrated network of connected devices. The cross-impact analysis for this category demonstrated that about 71% of these digital infrastructures interact mutually, with accessible internet and digital security having the most significant impact on the other components.
Conclusion
Smart tourism represents an emerging paradigm within the tourism industry, whose numerous benefits underscore the necessity of advancing its objectives and fostering its development. Establishing the necessary infrastructural groundwork for this new generation of tourism is the critical first step toward realizing smart tourism. In this study, the prerequisite infrastructures for achieving smart tourism were identified through expert interviews and thematic analysis. This approach resulted in a comprehensive classification of 15 organizing themes grouped under two overarching categories. Based on the findings, the development of physical infrastructures constitutes the primary dimension in establishing the foundation for smart tourism destinations. By supporting smart tourism functionalities at the destination, such as real-time information collection and dissemination, effective communication channels, and enhanced security and comfort, these infrastructures contribute to improved service quality and elevated tourist experiences, ultimately leading to higher levels of satisfaction. The deployment of these components not only supports a technology-driven experience for tourists but also aids managers in better planning and optimizing resource allocation. The second dimension in establishing smart tourism destinations is the advancement of digital infrastructures. Their implementation, alongside physical infrastructures, not only enhances the tourist experience and satisfaction but also promotes efficient destination management, optimal resource utilization, and cost reduction. Ultimately, ICT infrastructures contribute to sustainable development, enhanced competitiveness, and the economic growth of host communities. Therefore, investment in this sector and the adoption of technological innovations can significantly elevate the quality of tourism services and attract a larger number of tourists. The findings of this research indicate that the realization of smart tourism destinations necessitates a comprehensive approach in which both physical and digital infrastructures operate as complementary and synergistic dimensions. Together, they not only facilitate effective smart destination management but also address the fundamental needs of tourists, thereby enhancing the overall travel experience. Furthermore, the research underscores that both physical and digital infrastructures should be designed within an integrated strategic framework, one that not only meets current demands but also possesses the flexibility and adaptability to incorporate emerging technologies in the future. In conclusion, while previous studies have predominantly focused on the current state analysis or the identification of obstacles, the present research provides a comprehensive identification of the necessary infrastructural dimensions, thereby offering an integrated model for reaching the ideal state. This model lays out a clear pathway for designing and implementing strategies for smart tourism destinations. It is ultimately recommended that policymakers and tourism managers develop a comprehensive plan to prioritize the development of the infrastructural foundations for smart tourism. Achieving these objectives could lead to benefits such as job creation and enhanced social welfare, which are integral to the overarching goals of national development.
Keywords
Future Study
Smart City
Smart Tourism
Smart Tourism Destination
Tourism Infrastructure

Subjects

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Urban Economics and Planning
Volume 6, Issue 1
Winter 2025
Pages 128-143

  • Receive Date 21 February 2025
  • Revise Date 26 March 2025
  • Accept Date 27 March 2025