Rural smart tourism and its impact on sustainable destination development

Abstract

In recent years, the concept of smart tourism has gained traction as a transformative approach to enhancing travel experiences through the integration of technology, data, and community engagement. While traditionally associated with urban settings, the principles of smart tourism are now being applied in rural areas, leading to the emergence of rural smart tourism. This innovative approach not only leverages advanced technologies to improve visitor experiences but also emphasizes sustainable practices that benefit local communities and preserve the environment. As rural destinations seek to enhance their attractiveness and competitiveness in the global tourism market, understanding the definition, characteristics, benefits, and challenges of rural smart tourism is essential for fostering sustainable destination development. Research conducted among 213 members of the selo.rs site showed the positive effects of membership, which were reflected in two effects: Networking and Access to information. This confirmed the initial hypothesis that participation and membership on sites like selo.rs contribute to sustainable development for rural destinations.