The Development of Smart Tourism Destinations Through the Integration of ICT Innovations in SMEs of the Commercial Sector

Abstract

The small and medium-size business activities (SMEs), coming from different commercial sectors, are generally found in Italian small towns and municipalities. Recently, SMEs are characterized by negative economic cycles. Factors negatively affecting commercial and tourism activities are historical centers' de-population phenomena, productive delocalization, business transfer, and changes in service delivery processes and logistics. To overcome these negativities the promotion of cultural assets, the use of new technologies for economic development, co-operation through networks and clusters, and the involvement and integration of different local stakeholders are crucial. The aim of this research was to identify key performance indicators and hotspots of business networks created for smart tourism development. The analysis was conducted through the compilation of a mapping of potentially usable technologies and through the analysis of the results of four case studies on the application of a business network in the Italian Lazio Region.