Analysing Smart Tourism Ecosystems for Sustainable Development: A System Dynamics Approach

The tourism industry, as a complex system, plays a significant role in economic growth and sustainable development. This study adopts a system dynamics (SD) approach to investigate the intricate interconnections within smart tourism ecosystems, focussing on how these interactions contribute to sustainable tourism development. By analysing the causal dynamics among components of smart tourism ecosystems, this chapter provides a methodology for examining feedback loops and exploring variable relationships through scenario-based simulations. This approach aids in simplifying the complexity of smart tourism ecosystems, enabling stakeholders to gain a clearer perspective on the system’s dynamics and empowering decision-makers to foster economic resilience and sustainability. The dynamic model proposed emphasises the role of big data analytics and AI in enhancing local economies through smart solutions, laying the foundation for smoother transitions towards smart tourism ecosystems. Information and communication technology (ICT) adoption is highlighted as a means to enrich resident and tourist experiences, promoting seamless co-creation and engagement within smart ecosystems, while smart governance emerges as crucial to achieving sustainability. By addressing the need for informed strategic decisions, the model provides insights for policymakers and business leaders, contributing to a more sustainable tourism industry that supports efficient resource management, improved tourist experiences, and inclusive participation.