Abstract
There has been a significant increase in the number of studies addressing smart experiences in the context of tourism (SET). Nevertheless, no previous work has systematically and critically analysed the literature on this subject. To fulfil this gap, this paper examines the evolution of SET as a research topic by mapping the scientific production on it. To this end, 84 papers published from 2011 to April 2019 were retrieved from Scopus. To map this data, a blend of bibliometric analysis techniques, including the analysis of evaluative measures (productivity and impact metrics) and relational techniques (word frequency analysis and key theme analysis), was employed. Evaluative metrics were carried out using Plotly, Excel, and DB Gnosis software. The reviewed papers were then visually analysed through mind maps using BizAgi Process Modeler. The study presents an original theoretical insight, as well as a significant methodological contribution, as it employs an integrative approach of bibliometric analysis that relies on a set of rigorous techniques and can be implemented in future studies.
Highlights
Tourists’ experiences are increasingly mediated and enhanced by information technologies, which, in turn, have significantly changed the way tourism is planned and managed
According to Buhalis and Amaranggana (2015), in the context of tourism, smart experiences are provided by personalised services that are monitored in real-time and add value to tourists’ experiences, while allowing sustainable practices
Productivity and impact metrics The analysed data reveal the trend in the number of articles addressing smart experiences in tourism (SET) published from 2011 to April 2019
Summary
Tourists’ experiences are increasingly mediated and enhanced by information technologies, which, in turn, have significantly changed the way tourism is planned and managed. People’s experiences within destinations are increasingly connected either through real-time sharing or via utilitarian services. The set of all the interconnected systems and devices within a destination, including the whole tourism system, is referred to as a smart tourism ecosystem (Koo, Yoo, Lee, & Zanker, 2016), that is, a system that combines the use of digital technologies and intelligent business networks as conceptual building blocks (Gretzel, Sigala, Xiang, & Koo, 2015). According to Buhalis and Amaranggana (2015), in the context of tourism, smart experiences are provided by personalised services that are monitored in real-time and add value to tourists’ experiences, while allowing sustainable practices
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