The Spanish Model for Smart Tourism Destination Management

This is an open access handbook that guides destinations on their journey to becoming Smart Tourism Destinations (STDs). Developed by SEGITTUR, a distinguished Spanish State company, and aligned with academia represented by Professor Lidia Andrades, who has brought together recognized international academics with SEGITTUR experts in the field of tourism management to write this groundbreaking book, it offers practical insights and strategies for success. Explore the characteristics and implications of smart destinations, across the five dimensions which structure them: destination governance, accessibility, technology, innovation and sustainability, navigate the transition from traditional tourism management to the innovative smart managerial paradigm, and overcome challenges encountered during the transformative process. Equipping destination managers with essential tools and strategies, this handbook showcases real-life examples of Spanish destinations embracing the smart tourism paradigm. Drawing on SEGITTUR's proven methodology, it provides precise guidance, checklists, and expert recommendations for effective implementation. An invaluable resource for destination managers, tourism professionals, and researchers, it unlocks the full potential of smart tourism destinations.

Lidia Andrades, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor at the University of Extremadura, Spain. She is an expert in strategic planning and management. Her research interests focus on tourism destination competitiveness management from a dual perspective: demand and supply-side approaches. Additionally, in recent years, she has been cooperating with SEGITTUR in the field of smart tourism destination planning and management. Her main academic contributions have been published in journals such as Tourism Management, the Journal of Travel Research, and the Journal of Sustainable Tourism, among others. These publications mostly address topics such as tourism destination competitiveness and sustainability, as well as the qualification of tourism professionals as a means to achieve competitiveness in the tourism sector. Lidia has also co-authored a book on tourism management in Russia and contributed chapters to several books on topics such as tourism value co-creation and research methods for tourism. Finally, she has extensive experience in designing, managing, and coordinating multidisciplinary teams as a leader of EU-funded projects.

Mr. Carlos Romero-Dexeus is the Director of Research, Development, and Innovation at SEGITTUR (the Spanish State Company for the Management of Tourism Innovation and Technologies). With a background in Economic Sciences and Tourism Business Management, he has over 10 years of experience in the tourism sector. He has managed international and national projects, specializing in measuring the economic impacts of tourism and tourism policy. With previous positions at the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Spanish Institute for Tourism Studies (IET), he brings valuable expertise to his role.

Mr. Enrique Martínez-Marín is the President of SEGITTUR. With a background in political science and public management, he has extensive experience in smart territories and digital transformation. He has held advisory roles and coordinated national plans for smart territories. His professional career includes positions in government agencies and organizations related to the industry, telecommunications, and postal sectors. As President of the Technical Committee for Standardization 178 of UNE1, he plays a significant role in shaping smart city standards.