António Rodrigues

doi:10.19080/GJTLH.2025.03.555607

Mini Review Article

Smart And Sustainable Tourism: Technology and Sustainability in the Transformation of Destinations

António Rodrigues*

ISG - Business & Economics School, Portugal CIGEST - Management Research Centre, Portugal

Submission:August 15, 2025;Published:August 25, 2025

*Corresponding author:António Rodrigues, ISG - Business & Economics School, CIGEST - Management Research Centre, Lisbon, Portugal

How to cite this article:António Rodrigues. Smart And Sustainable Tourism: Technology and Sustainability in the Transformation of Destinations. Glob J Tourism Leisure & hosp manag. 2025; 3(2): 555607.DOI:10.19080/GJTLH.2025.03.555607.

Abstract

Smart and sustainable tourism is a new paradigm that combines digital technologies and sustainability practices to promote more resilient, efficient, and socially equitable destinations. This article reviews the literature and discusses two successful experiences in the cities of Barcelona and Lisbon to answer the central question: how can technology, aligned with sustainability principles, transform a destination? Through the synthesis of theoretical and empirical evidence and the integration of performance indicators, it is argued that tools such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and data governance platforms allow for improved flow management, resource optimization, and increased local economic benefits. However, this transformation depends on inclusive governance models, data protection policies, and measures that promote digital inclusion. The final contribution of this study is to highlight the importance of continuing studies that reflect the integration of digital solutions and sustainable practices that enhance destination competitiveness, improve the visitor experience, and conserve local resources.

Keywords:Technology; Tourism; Smart tourism; Sustainable tourism; Sustainability; SDGs

Abbreviations: AI: Artificial Intelligence; IOT: Internet of Things; VR: Virtual Reality; AR: Augmented Reality; UNWTO: World Tourism Organization; STD: Smart Tourist Destination; SMEs: Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

Introduction

Tourism has actively contributed to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with particular emphasis on SDGs 8 (decent work and economic growth), 12 (responsible production and consumption), and 14 (protecting marine life).

Sustainable tourism is one of the fundamental pillars of the economic, social, ecological, and cultural development of territories, especially in inland regions, promoting skilled employment, retaining populations, and enhancing the unique identity of each location.

Sustainable tourism can be considered a model within economic development designed to improve the quality of life of the host community while simultaneously providing a high-quality visitor experience. Furthermore, it aims to maintain the quality of the environment, on which both the host community and the visitor depend. It is also important to mention that decision-making must consider all segments of society, including local populations, so that tourism and other resource users can coexist with minimal impact [1]. The tourism sector has faced complex challenges in recent decades, including post-pandemic recovery, climate change, and over tourism, which affects the quality of life of communities and the integrity of natural and cultural resources. These challenges drive the search for solutions that reconcile the economic attractiveness of destinations with their environmental and social sustainability.

In short, new forms of tourism sustainable, responsible, and alternative tourism-have emerged as an alternative to traditional mass tourism. The main objective of alternative tourism models, both in terms of supply and demand, is to neutralize the negative effects of tourism on destinations [2].

At the heart of this transition is the concept of smart tourism, which incorporates information and communication technologies for data collection and analysis, personalization of experiences, and optimization of destination management. At the same time, sustainable tourism emphasizes the need to preserve resources for future generations while ensuring economic and sociocultural benefits for local populations.

Tourism faces complex challenges related to environmental sustainability, the digitalization of services, and the growing demand for personalized experiences [3]. The digital revolution has transformed the way destinations are promoted, managed, and experienced, introducing concepts such as big data, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and collaborative platforms [4,5].

In this context, smart tourism emerges as a strategic response, characterized by the application of digital technologies to optimize destination management, improve the visitor experience, and promote sustainability [6]. At the same time, sustainable tourism is consolidating itself as an ethical and operational paradigm that seeks to balance economic, social, and environmental interests [7,8].

This article aims to analyze how technology and sustainability can transform a destination. To this end, we conduct a critical review of the literature, discuss the findings, and present case studies of two cities that have implemented smart and sustainable solutions.

Literature Review

The concept of smart tourism has evolved since the mid- 2010s, articulating technological and governance dimensions that aim to make destinations more efficient and responsive [9] conceptualize smart tourism destinations as ecosystems that combine technological infrastructure, data platforms, and service personalization capabilities to improve the visitor experience and resource management [5] complement this vision by emphasizing that smart tourism involves both hard components (sensors, networks, platforms) and soft components (partnerships, governance models, and social innovation), implying a reconfiguration of relationships between tourists, businesses, and local authorities.

Smart tourism is conceived as an extension of smart cities, implying the use of technological infrastructure, skilled human capital, and innovative public policies to create interconnected, responsive, and efficient destinations [4,5] define smart destinations as ecosystems that integrate real-time data, systems interoperability, and stakeholder participation to offer personalized and sustainable tourism experiences. The literature highlights the role of digital technologies in the predictive management of tourism flows, in the personalization of services and in improving strategic decision-making [4,10,6] propose a competitiveness model based on the ability of destinations to integrate technological innovation with participatory governance and environmental responsibility.

The application of technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and sensing systems has been documented in multiple contexts [11] shows, in studies applied to urban bathing areas, that environmental sensors and machine learning algorithms allow for the prediction of occupancy levels and support operational decisions that prevent overload and preserve fragile ecosystems. At the same time, the use of Artificial Intelligence and Big Data techniques has proven decisive for demand forecasting, market segmentation, and service optimization [12].

Regarding the experiential component, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies have been used to expand interpretive access to heritage sites, providing less intrusive visits and reducing physical pressure on sensitive sites. On the other hand, tools such as blockchain are discussed as potential mechanisms for transparency in value chains and for certifying sustainable practices, although their large-scale adoption remains limited and marked by interoperability and cost challenges. The convergence between technology and sustainability is highlighted in international reports and literature as an opportunity to achieve environmental and social goals, but also as a field of disagreement.

The integration of smart and sustainable tourism is discussed as an opportunity to reconfigure destinations toward responsible innovation [10] argues that technology can act as a catalyst for sustainability, as long as it is guided by ethical principles and inclusive public policies [5] propose a critical approach, emphasizing that digitalization must be accompanied by social justice, digital inclusion, and transparent governance.

[7,13] emphasize the need for integrated metrics to assess environmental, social, and economic impacts. Authors such as [14,5] draw attention to risks associated with data privacy, digital exclusion, and the risk of greenwashing when technologies are prioritized solely as marketing tools. Thus, the literature points to the transformative potential of technology, conditioned by governance models, public policies, and community participation.

Methodology

The study followed a qualitative methodology based on a narrative and systematic literature review. The databases consulted included Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, MDPI, and Google Scholar, supplemented by institutional reports from the UNWTO and WEF. Search descriptors were defined such as “smart tourism”, “sustainable tourism”, “smart destination”, “IoT in tourism”, “big data tourism” and “sustainability indicators”.

Studies published in English, Portuguese, or Spanish that explicitly addressed the intersection between technological innovation and sustainability in destination contexts were included. The selection process involved screening by title and abstract and extracting relevant information on methodologies, results, and recommendations.

The analysis was organized in three stages:
i. identification and categorization of the technologies used (IoT, AI, AR/VR, blockchain, data platforms);
ii. assessment of reported impacts on the environmental, economic, and social dimensions;
iii. synthesis of governance practices and research gaps.

In addition, two experiences in the cities of Barcelona and Lisbon were analyzed to illustrate operational mechanisms and performance indicators. The triangulation of theoretical and empirical data allowed for the formulation of a critical discussion on smart and sustainable tourism.

Discussion

The analysis of the literature and case studies presented shows that the integration of digital technologies into sustainability strategies can bring about profound transformations in destination management, provided they are supported by appropriate governance policies. Sensor-based systems and data platforms enable the continuous collection of information on tourist flows, environmental quality, and infrastructure use, enabling real-time decisions that can reduce pressure on sensitive resources. For example, monitoring pedestrian flows and predicting occupancy using algorithms have been used to distribute visitors throughout the day and space, minimizing concentration points and attrition.

At the same time, personalization provided by recommendation systems and AI improves the visitor experience, but the literature indicates that improvements in the experience do not automatically correspond to environmental or social gains. Technology only contributes to sustainability when integrated with measures that encourage responsible behavior (e.g., incentives for the use of sustainable transportation, alternative routes for tourist dispersion) and when mechanisms exist that ensure economic benefits for local communities, avoiding the capture of value by large intermediary platforms.

Among the main challenges identified are the costs of implementing and maintaining smart infrastructure, rapid technological obsolescence, privacy and data security issues, and the need for technical training for local stakeholders. Data governance is a critical factor: clear data management and sharing policies, ownership models, and transparency protocols are necessary to build trust with residents and visitors. Integrated indicators that combine environmental, economic, and social metrics are essential to assess the true impact of initiatives and enable their continuous correction. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), with the aim of progressing towards sustainable tourism, published the guide “Indicators of Sustainable Development for Tourism Destinations: A Guidebook” in 2004 [22]. This guide aims to provide destinations with tools to develop indicator systems, which must inevitably incorporate social, environmental, and economic aspects. At the same time, the network of sustainable tourism observatories of the OMT (INSTO), has published, in 2022, a repository of tools and resources with the objective of guiding the design and sources of indicators of 11 themes that the institution considers basic for monitoring tourism sustainability.

The Cases of Barcelona and Lisbon

Barcelona has often been cited as an example of smart beach and mobility management. Faced with the problems of overloading coastal areas, sensing systems and analytics platforms have been implemented to monitor occupancy, water quality, and pedestrian traffic patterns, enabling proactive rescue and cleanup interventions. These systems, supported by predictive modeling, have proven effective in mitigating risks and preserving coastal areas.

Barcelona obtained certification as a Smart Tourist Destination (STD) in 2024, after meeting 97 requirements and 261 indicators related to sustainability, accessibility, innovation, technology, and governance [15]. The city stands out for its use of urban sensors, open data platforms, and policies to redistribute tourism benefits. Lisbon, in turn, has invested in sustainable tourism strategies, with emphasis on the Regional Observatory for Sustainable Tourism, recognized by UN Tourism in 2023. The city promotes a balance between economic development and cultural preservation, with initiatives such as the “Tourism + Sustainable 25-30” plan and urban innovation projects [16,17].

Lisbon boasts a consolidating institutional and technological framework, with a Smart Management Platform that integrates data from multiple entities, investments in LED street lighting and electric vehicle charging stations, and open data initiatives. The city has tested analytical tools, such as a pedestrian carrying capacity calculator applied to the parish of Santa Maria Maior, which aids in flow planning and overcrowding prevention, representing an example of the practical application of indicators for decision-making.

Both cities demonstrate that technology can be used to improve the tourist experience and the quality of life of residents. In Lisbon, the use of indicators and resident surveys revealed that tourism contributed to local self-esteem and the appreciation of urban heritage [18].

The main challenges identified include the need for technical training, project financing, and institutional resistance to change. Rapid technological evolution requires investments in training and infrastructure, while sustainability requires integrated planning and political will [5,10].

Conclusion

The convergence of technology and sustainability offers significant potential for transforming tourist destinations. When implemented in an integrated and participatory manner, technologies enable more efficient resource management, the dispersion of tourist flows, and the maximization of local economic benefits. However, gains are not automatic: they depend on clear governance models, data protection policies, the empowerment of local communities, and indicators that allow for the assessment of environmental and social impacts.

Thus, the effectiveness and efficiency of stakeholders are an important determinant of competitiveness and sustainability [19], as is a healthy environment, in the sense of being constructive, that fosters a deep understanding of its structural characteristics [20].

It is recommended that decision-makers implement transparent data policies, invest in digital literacy for local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), prioritize interoperable and adoptable solutions at low cost, and incorporate integrated metrics (environmental, social, and economic) into the planning cycle. Only then can technological innovation translate into lasting sustainability and equity for host communities.

The comparative analysis between Barcelona and Lisbon suggests that the convergence of technology and sustainability constitutes a strategic vector for the transformation of tourist destinations. The application of digital solutions, combined with sustainable practices and integrated public policies, contributes to destination competitiveness, improves the visitor experience, and strengthens local communities.

The consolidation of smart and sustainable tourist destinations requires a global approach based on collaborative governance models, citizen participation, and continuous investment in innovation. In this way, urban destinations can position themselves as laboratories for social, environmental, and economic innovation, contributing to a more just, resilient, and inclusive future.

Smart tourism has become a proven tool for measuring and managing tourism, encouraging data-driven decision-making on key issues such as infrastructure, transportation capacity, accommodation, mobility, the management of natural and cultural resources, and community involvement in tourism.

The report’s approach [21] highlights the importance of adopting a Smart Tourism Destination reference model, which operates across five development axes: governance, innovation, technology, accessibility, and sustainability. This common model, which encourages the active and ongoing participation of all tourism stakeholders, is essential for building the “tourism of the future.” It is a new way of designing sustainable and safe travel that celebrates local cultures and identities, provides economic and social benefits, and, at the same time, helps preserve the environment. This ambitious model must be accompanied by the development of norms and standards that highlight the resources and characteristics of destinations.

The same report suggests the implementation of Smart Destination Platforms, which incorporate the destination’s benchmarks to respond to its challenges in an integrated manner. Among their capabilities, they would integrate unified management through a data-driven system that uses distributed intelligence models to extract information in the highest quality possible. The platforms should also encourage the development of an open innovation ecosystem, aiming to evolve with new solutions and proposals.

Technologies such as IoT, virtual reality, cybersecurity, and multichannel will be essential to reach destinations aligned with the needs and demands of today’s visitors, who are increasingly digital tourists who demand a new, personalized, and proactive offering, operated with sustainability as a central focus, and that reaches the end user in a simple and direct manner.

Based on the literature review, the integration of technology and sustainability is seen as an effective strategy for transforming tourist destinations, where technology enables more efficient and personalized management but requires infrastructure and training. Sustainability is valued as a competitive advantage and an ethical commitment, and community participation is facilitated by digital tools, promoting inclusion and authenticity. Multidimensional and collaborative approaches are required to develop smart and sustainable destinations.