Innovative travel experiences: discovering smart tourism in Uruguay's Punta del Este

Abstract

This article aims to measure the concept of smart tourist destinations in Punta del Este and propose a conceptual research model to analyze the integration of smart technologies in the tourism context of the region. The research methodology is quantitative, and descriptive in 5 dimensions: a) information; b) accessibility; c) interactivity; d) personalization, and lastly e) security. The type of sampling is convenience. The data collection period was from March to December 2023, 774 cases were collected and answered by Brazilian tourists through a survey with 20 variables and a 5-point Likert scale. The evaluation for each dimension was on average: information with 3.5, accessibility with 3.27, interactivity with 3.18, personalization with 3.14, and security with 3.5. In tourism, smart technologies have caused significant changes, revolutionizing businesses, products, and tourism experiences. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) play a crucial role in the development of smart tourism by providing a convenient, user-friendly, and personalized travel experience. The DTI Punta Del Este Framework is an academic approach that aims to improve the visitor experience by offering accurate and personalized information, optimizing business operations, and attracting new visitors, increasing the competitiveness of the sector.