“Smart” Tourism as an Innovative Direction of Tourism Development

Abstract

The article discusses smart tourism as one of the areas of smart specialization. Under the leadership of the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia, the “Smart Specialization” program has been developed, which is the basis for strengthening the innovative potential of the regions. When implementing this component, it becomes possible to identify the strengths of a particular region and their targeted development. As a result of active cooperation with the relevant structures of the European Union, Imereti was chosen as a pilot region. The article mentions the role of smart tourism in the context of smart specialization of Imereti, first of all, it can be smart tourism, artificial intelligence in tourism, smart destination, the use of various communication and IT technologies. The article discusses the importance of smart cities, smart destinations, artificial intelligence, and the 5G network in the development of smart tourism. “Smart” tourism determines the prospects for the development of the industry. However, the study of this complex phenomenon is currently in its infancy. It should be noted that a comparative and comprehensive study of the experience of smart tourism will undoubtedly become one of the main directions of this research in the world. Keywords: Smart Tourism, Smart Specialization, Smart Destination.