Global Report on Smart Tourism in Cities

Tourism is a powerful engine which stimulates the local economic and social development of cities in which over half of the world’s population is already living and generating more than 80% of global GDP. City tourism is rapidly growing not only because of the urbanization rate and increased global mobility but also because of the information boom, accessible tourism products and diversified experiences related to culture, architecture and art, meetings, shopping, gastronomy and landscape as well as the smart city concept.

In general terms, Smart Cities are those with a smart (intelligent) physical, social, institutional and economic infrastructure while ensuring centrality of citizens in a sustainable environment. (refers to: smart economy, smart mobility, smart people, smart environment, smart living and smart governance). In general terms, Smart Cities are those with a smart (intelligent) physical, social, institutional and economic infrastructure while ensuring centrality of citizens in a sustainable environment (refers to: smart economy, smart mobility, smart people, smart environment, smart living and smart governance).

“Global Report on Smart Tourism in Cities” aims at providing the necessary knowledge and understanding for the local authorities and the tourism managers of WTCF member cities about the key principles of “smart tourism” and “smart destination management” so that they can adopt a new way of thinking in regards to the use and implementation of innovative and technology-based initiatives for optimizing the needs and expectations of the visitors whilst empowering the local citizens.

The study will be conducted by collecting quantitative and qualitative data at city level on the selected key performance areas from at most 10 identified / invited city destinations or institutions /enterprises which have shown a successful progress in developing and implementing smart tourism initiatives. The report will provide useful insights about good practices from the leading city cases from Asia/Pacific, Europe and Americas to serve as a guide to improve competitiveness as well as to enhance the quality of life for the local community.