Enhanced Smart Tourism and its Role in Reshaping the Tourism Industry

This paper explores the concept of enhanced smart tourism as a response to the challenges and opportunities arising in the post-pandemic tourism landscape. The COVID-19 pandemic has not only halted the global tourism industry but also prompted a reevaluation of its sustainability, technological integration, and impact on local communities. The need for a paradigm shift in tourism is emphasized, focusing on digitalization, innovation, and resilience. Enhanced smart tourism is characterized by a shift from traditional practices to innovative governance models, increased emphasis on sustainability, and the integration of technology for better management and visitor experiences. The paper discusses the four pillars of enhanced smart tourism - Technology, Sustainability, Accessibility/Mobility, and Innovation/Creativity, and their expansion in the post-pandemic era. Furthermore, the significant role of data in smart tourism is examined, highlighting the importance of data valuation, management, and ethics. The paper proposes frameworks and methods for data valuation and emphasizes the necessity of a comprehensive approach to data within the smart tourism ecosystem. The conclusion points to the need for further empirical and conceptual research to fully realize the potential of enhanced smart tourism.