According to the Tasnim News Agency social group, Dr. Seyed Mohsen Tabatabaei Mazdabadi, Secretary General of the Iranian Urban Economics Scientific Association, wrote in a note: Smart tourism, as one of the drivers of digital transformation, plays a fundamental role in economic development, attracting investment and improving the quality of urban life. This concept, which is based on new technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, the Internet of Things, augmented reality and cloud computing, has gone beyond a traditional tourism model and has provided a platform for increasing productivity, reducing costs and creating new opportunities in touristic cities. Today, leading cities such as Barcelona, ​​Amsterdam and Singapore have been able to consolidate their position in the global tourism industry by utilizing smart infrastructure and data-driven management. These cities have not only attracted more tourists, but have also become profitable destinations for investors. A review of successful models shows that smart tourism is a key factor in economic growth, job creation, and sustainable urban development. One of the most important economic benefits of this approach is increased employment and attraction of targeted investments. Smart tourism has paved the way for the growth of knowledge-based industries, technology-driven startups, and digitized services, leading to the creation of new job opportunities. The development of this area has strengthened direct investment in smart infrastructure, digital payment systems, advanced transportation management, and tourism applications, paving the way for economic growth. Resource optimization and reduced operating costs are other important benefits of this transformation. Smart tourism, by utilizing real-time data analysis and predictive systems, has led to a 30% reduction in energy costs, 25% in transportation costs, and 20% in urban management costs. Integrating public transportation with digital technologies has helped to improve the urban travel experience, while reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. Increased quality of life and social security are other positive outcomes of this model. The development of smart surveillance systems, the expansion of digital services in the field of health, and the efficient management of urban spaces have led to the improvement of public welfare and increased tourist trust in smart destinations. Also, the use of advanced technologies in crisis management has minimized the negative effects of natural disasters and urban crises and increased the resilience of cities. Despite these advantages, the implementation of smart tourism is also accompanied by challenges. One of the most important of these challenges is the increase in the digital divide and the reduction of job opportunities for low-skilled labor. Although widespread automation has increased productivity, it has also increased the need for new skills and marginalized some traditional jobs. Also, the issue of cybersecurity and protecting tourists' data is considered a major challenge, as the increasing dependence on digital infrastructure has increased the risk of cyber attacks and has doubled the need to strengthen security measures. In addition, the high costs of implementing smart technologies, especially in developing cities, are one of the key obstacles to the expansion of this model. In order to maximize the potential of smart tourism, careful policies and comprehensive planning are essential. Investing in information technology infrastructure, developing high-speed communication networks, strengthening big data processing systems, and improving cybersecurity are among the key measures in this regard. Also, implementing skills development and workforce empowerment programs can prevent the widening of the digital divide and accelerate the adoption of new technologies. Smart tourism is not just a technological change, but also a macro strategy for economic development and optimizing urban management. In a context of increasing global competition in the tourism industry, leveraging data-driven, digital innovations, and sustainable investment will not only help attract more tourists, but will also play an important role in increasing the economic resilience of cities. Cities that can properly manage these capacities will not only be leaders in the global tourism arena, but will also become hubs of innovation, investment, and economic sustainability.

Tasnim News Agency

Third Millennium Tourism Group