Smart tourism destination initiatives in the city of Natal-RN: A qualitative approach

Abstract

The objective of this research is to analyze the Smart Tourism Destination [STD] initiatives present in the city of Natal-RN, Brazil. The study is based on the model of State Society for the Management of Innovation and Tourism Technologies, Spain, in which there are four dimensions to be developed in destinations in order to consolidate as a STD: Innovation, Technology, Universal Accessibility and Sustainability. For data collection, a semi-structured interview script was used, with ten open questions, applied to managers and researchers from the public and private sectors of the city. A documental analysis of Natal’s Master Plan was also carried out, verifying elements of Accessibility and, to a lesser extent, notions of Sustainability and Innovation. The interviews showed that Natal has incipient Technology, Innovation and Accessibility initiatives, however, it still lacks a larger number of Sustainability projects in order to consolidate itself as a STD. Thus, it deserves attention from stakeholders in the sense of improving the initiatives and acting together so that the essential dimensions are evolved in the city.