Smart tourism: the role and synergies of stakeholders

Purpose The purpose of this study is to provide a thematic literature analysis of smart tourism and the role of stakeholders and synergy relating to the implementation of smart tourism.Design/methodology/approach The study is based on a review of prior research by various authors on smart tourism and the role of stakeholders and synergy relating to the implementation of smart tourism.Findings Research studies define the concept of smart tourism as a form of technological, economic and social evolution, which is influenced by such elements as the Internet, social media, smart devices and mobile applications, among others. Stakeholder theory is based on the organizational context, and various individuals and groups within an organization are mutually supported and influenced by the same organizational goals. The research studies have found that cooperation between internal and external stakeholders could involve designing a tourism strategy, coordinating tourism promotion and branding, raising local tourism awareness, standardizing tourist facilities, making ticket price policies and communicating with tourism stakeholders.Originality/value The paper provides a thematic literature review of smart tourism, the role of stakeholders and synergy from the perspective of the implementation of smart tourism.