Incentivized adoption of smart tourism services: Host community perspective

Abstract

<p>In developing nations, the success of development programs hinges on addressing stakeholder concerns. The growing popularity of smart tourism initiatives strengthens tourism infrastructure and elevates visitor experiences. Central to this development is the imperative to engage and secure the support of host communities in embracing smart tourism services. Recently, the momentum of incentivized adoption within smart tourism services has become pronounced among host communities. This research delves into the nuanced processes and outcomes of incentive adoption, shedding light on associated challenges. The study was conducted through interviews with host communities in smart cities; the study unveils that incentivized adoption spans diverse operational facets, encompassing digitalization of business, smart infrastructure development, training programs, the establishment of smart tourism centers, community-driven platforms, e-culture transition, and forward/backward linkages. The positive outcomes resulting from incentivized adoption include economic empowerment, community outreach, improved tourism infrastructure, and the enhancement of technical skills. However, challenges persist, ranging from e-safety concerns and e-literacy issues to resource constraints, cultural sensitivities, resistance to change, infrastructural gaps, and limited local involvement. This research contributes to the field by comprehensively understanding the multifaceted dynamics surrounding incentivized adoption in smart tourism, offering valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers alike.</p>