Conceptual foundations for understanding smart tourism ecosystems

Abstract

Using digital ecosystems and smart business networks as conceptual building blocks, this paper defines,\rdescribes and illustrates the idea of a smart tourism ecosystem (STE). It further draws on conceptualizations\rof smart technologies, smart cities and smart tourism to envision new ways in which value is created,\rexchanged and consumed in the STE. Technologies essential to the functioning of an STE are\rdescribed and it is argued that data emerging from these technologies are the driver for new business\rmodels, interaction paradigms and even new species. Critical questions regarding the need for regulatory\rintervention and innovative research are raised.