Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has undeniably exerted a profound impact on the global travel and tourism industry, prompting stakeholders within this sector to ardently pursue rejuvenation strategies and explore viable business models conducive to accommodating the evolving preferences of travelers in a post-pandemic landscape. This issue presents a compelling invitation for scholarly inquiry, particularly in leveraging technological innovations to foster the advancement of the tourism sector, emphasizing comprehending the pandemic’s consequences on industry dynamics. Additionally, this issue explores a critical examination of tourists’ experiences, offering a rich vein of academic exploration.

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the global tourism industry, and “Revenge Tourism” has emerged in Banyumas Regency. This study examines the complex relationship between social media, pandemic travel, and overtourism. We combined quantitative social media analytics with qualitative stakeholder insights using the MAXQDA research tool and a mixed-methods approach. This analysis clarified the complex relationships between the factors above. Following the pandemic, Banyumas saw a 70% increase in tourists and a 55% increase in social media interactions. These findings show how digital platforms boost Banyumas’ visibility and the challenges and opportunities that come with tourism. This study emphasizes sustainable tourism and environmental conservation. To mitigate overtourism’s adverse effects, it emphasizes specific interventions. This research gives the global tourism industry valuable insights into post-pandemic tourism management.

Abstract This research aims to analyze the application of the inclusive business integration model developed in Cepaka Village for the development of tourism village packaging. The model is intended to guarantee that the growth of tourism villages is both economically advantageous and socially and environmentally sustainable. This study examines the implementation of the model in tourism villages located in the western region of Bali. It assesses the effects of this implementation on the empowerment of the local community, the preservation of cultural heritage, and the economic development of the villages. This study is significant due to Bali’s recognition as a global tourism hotspot, where tourism villages possess immense possibilities but frequently encounter obstacles such as scarce resources, insufficient infrastructure, and the necessity for efficient marketing tactics. This study employs qualitative methods to analyze the effects of incorporating inclusive business practices on the development of tourism villages. Specifically, it investigates the influence on income generation, the equitable distribution of economic advantages among the community, and the preservation of cultural and environmental aspects. A total of 27 key informants, consisting of the chairman, vice chairman, and a member of the village management, were selected from 7 tourism villages in West Bali. The Jembrana Regency Tourism Office organized focus group discussions following a series of comprehensive interviews conducted in stages. Additionally, a crucial source of information was a proficient digital marketing specialist who aided in the process of digitalizing the marketing strategies for tourist villages in West Bali. The study’s findings indicate that the proposed model successfully integrates village economic activities with cultural and environmental aspects, resulting in a distinctive and genuine tourism experience in seven tourist villages in West Bali. The findings of this study are anticipated to offer valuable perspectives for policymakers, tourism professionals, and rural communities on how to maximize the opportunities of tourism villages in a comprehensive and environmentally friendly way. The research emphasizes the significance of adopting digital technology in marketing and distributing village tourism products. It also identifies the opportunities and challenges of implementing inclusive business models in Bali’s tourism village setting.

Abstract This study thoroughly examines the dynamic relationship between technology and destination marketing in the tourist sector. It offers a detailed analysis of articles sourced from the Scopus database. The research seeks to both strengthen the current understanding of the topic and shed light on potential opportunities for future investigation and advancement in tourist practices. Following the COVID-19 epidemic, there has been a significant increase in interest and investment in technology and destination marketing within the tourism industry. The analysis of 32 meticulously chosen articles unveils a fascinating storyline of how technology has emerged as a major aspect of improving services and communication across all domains of the tourism sector. Every article received rigorous examination, taking into account important factors such as the study’s goals, methods of data collection, processes of synthesis, and indications of quality. The findings of this systematic review highlight the increasing importance of technological breakthroughs in transforming the tourist industry, especially in addressing the difficulties brought about by the global health crisis. The numbers obtained from this study not only provide insight into the present situation but also serve as a significant asset for predicting the future technology impact on the tourism industry. Outside of academic circles, these findings have practical consequences for politicians and professionals in the sector. The study indicates the necessity of creating proactive rules that promote the development of technological capabilities and guarantee the long-term viability of the tourism sector. This research adds to the continuing discussion on the influential impact of technology in destination marketing. It offers valuable insights that enable stakeholders to adapt and innovate in the changing context. This study serves as a call to action for all stakeholders involved in the tourist sector to embrace and utilize technology for its improvement as we move forward into a future influenced by technological breakthroughs.

Abstract In developing nations, the success of development programs hinges on addressing stakeholder concerns. The growing popularity of smart tourism initiatives strengthens tourism infrastructure and elevates visitor experiences. Central to this development is the imperative to engage and secure the support of host communities in embracing smart tourism services. Recently, the momentum of incentivized adoption within smart tourism services has become pronounced among host communities. This research delves into the nuanced processes and outcomes of incentive adoption, shedding light on associated challenges. The study was conducted through interviews with host communities in smart cities; the study unveils that incentivized adoption spans diverse operational facets, encompassing digitalization of business, smart infrastructure development, training programs, the establishment of smart tourism centers, community-driven platforms, e-culture transition, and forward/backward linkages. The positive outcomes resulting from incentivized adoption include economic empowerment, community outreach, improved tourism infrastructure, and the enhancement of technical skills. However, challenges persist, ranging from e-safety concerns and e-literacy issues to resource constraints, cultural sensitivities, resistance to change, infrastructural gaps, and limited local involvement. This research contributes to the field by comprehensively understanding the multifaceted dynamics surrounding incentivized adoption in smart tourism, offering valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers alike.

Abstract Purpose: This present article offers insight into the impacts and implications of COVID-19 on the service delivery process for hotel customers. The objective also reflects on how technological innovations may mitigate those impacts and contribute to employee well-being. Keeping in mind the above, a conceptual framework has been developed that clearly and critically depicts the COVID-19 impact on technological innovation and its subsequent influence on hotel employees well-being. Design/methodology/approach: This research paper strongly outlines the current theoretical background on hotel services impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The author also investigated the current trends in hotel guest services influenced by technological innovations. The present data and industry report have been used to formulate the conceptual framework linked to employee well-being. Findings: This study proposes an underlying theory and research plan on technological innovation that facilitates hotel service delivery while keeping COVID-19 and social distance in mind and thereby contributes to comprehensive employee well-being. Originality/value: This article would be a pioneering study seriously investigating the impact of COVID-19 on hotel service delivery engulfed by the various technological innovations and contributing towards employee well-being at macro and micro levels.

Abstract The tourism industry has been severely affected by the COVID-19 outbreak in Mauritius, where this industry is the backbone of the economy. Just like tourism revenue, tourism returns are also expected to be affected. Hence, this paper examines the impact of COVID-19 on tourism returns in Mauritius by using a quantile regression model and daily data from 18 March to 30 June 2020. The results show that the COVID-19 variables used in the study impact negatively on tourism stock returns. For instance, it is observed that COVID-19 confirmed cases exert negative effects on tourism returns at higher quantiles. Similar results were obtained for COVID-19 recovered cases. Also, a positive link was found between the government response stringency index and tourism returns. However, stock volatility is observed to reduce the industry’s return. This paper further provides useful insights for policymakers, investors, and managers in the tourism industry.

Abstract This paper attempts to clarify our understanding of the ability of smart tourism to underpin sustainable destination development and the theoretical and practical challenges that must be faced in this process. Several challenges must be overcome if smart tourism is to associate with progress in achieving sustainable development at the destination level. One challenge involves formulating a clear and consistent conception of what sustainability entails. Another challenge is to reject the growth ethic that drives much of the research effort in smart tourism with its implicit assumption of the role played by technological progress in ‘decoupling’ environmental effects from tourism growth. A third challenge involves accounting for resident well-being and ‘quality of life’ issues that are essential elements of the sustainability concept. A further challenge is to integrate the ideas proposed in a way that progresses smart tourism research providing guidance to researchers and destination managers wishing to take sustainability and well-being issues more seriously. The anticipated outcome is smart tourism development that is much more suitable to deliver valued economic, socio-cultural and environmental outcomes to destinations locally and globally.

Abstract Tourism has become one of the most important economic sectors in Indonesia. Indonesia, with its natural wealth, culture, and historical heritage, has attracted the attention of tourists from various parts of the world. One of the provinces that has great potential for tourism development is West Java. The purpose of the research is to formulate a tourism development model based on local wisdom in the tourism location of Prabu Siliwangi. The analysis method used in this research is the use of Structural Equation Model Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS) and ANFIS neuro-fuzzy analysis. Composite reliability above 0.7 GoF value of 0.725 means that the model is very good (has a high ability) in explaining empirical data. The accuracy of the model produced is 97.1% which shows that the input data in the model can represent the real data in the field.

Abstract This paper introduces a comprehensive interview guide aimed at enhancing smart tourism research. It discusses the integration of digital technology in tourism, highlighting the importance of understanding tourists’ experiences in this evolving landscape. By focusing on qualitative research through interviews, the study delves into tourists’ perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors toward technology in tourism. It underscores the necessity of a flexible and thorough interview guide for capturing the complexities of digital transformation in the tourism industry, providing valuable insights for improving smart tourism experiences. This research contributes to the academic discourse on smart tourism, offering a systematic approach to exploring technology’s impact on tourism and suggesting future research directions to enrich the field further.

Abstract The digital landscape’s impact on hospitality, driven by new online practices, has heightened the importance of loyalty programs. This essay explores the fusion of e-commerce with hotel management, utilizing cloud-based practices to handle electronic commerce data. Through a review of existing literature and on-site observations, it uncovers evolving managerial techniques and data warehousing for predictive modeling. The manuscript investigates how Revenue Management Artificial Intelligence (RM AI) influences Hospitality Supply Chain Management (SCM) sustainability. Findings reveal a positive impact on sustainability but stress the need for customized AI solutions for each hotel.

Abstract The complicated and interwoven relation of the tourist as an explorer and in the same time as audience of digital content is the background of this perspective. The topic is strictly based on the work, and its impact, made in 10 years by the group “Komplex” in the field of creation of augmented reality experiences in urban space, mainly for social enterprises funded by cultural agencies. The transformation of citizens in tourists able to discover “further experiences” hidden in the urban environment and also the bridging of this experience with specific imaginary diffused in the web is the scenario that this perspective wants to highlight in order to achieve a multilayered set of impacts such: i) slow tourism, ii) cultural and technological activation of neglected areas, iii) twisting narratives related to specific neighbors, iv) inclusion of slices of the urban society far from the touristic hot spot.