Abstract Geoheritage is recognized as a component of cultural heritage, especially in the Toba Caldera Geopark area. The aim of the research is to determine the relationship between geoheritage and cultural heritage in the concept of abiotic ecosystems. The research method used in this research is empirical juridical or non-doctrinal with a sociological/empirical approach using a non-positivist approach, including reference studies and observations. The research results describe sarcophagi and megaliths carved from Toba tuff rock estimated to be 73,500 years old during the Pleistocene period and andesite lava 33,000 years old from the eruption of the Toba volcano.

Abstract This commentary critically examines the integration of Smart Tourism technologies within the tourism and hospitality sectors, focusing on their role in enhancing tourist experiences and operational efficiencies. Through a multidisciplinary approach encompassing a literature review, case studies, and empirical data analysis, the analysis adopts a constructivist perspective to explore tourists’ subjective experiences with technology. It highlights significant personalization, efficiency, and sustainability advancements while acknowledging challenges related to digital infrastructure and privacy concerns. Advocating for a balanced and sustainable approach that respects environmental integrity and cultural heritage, the commentary concludes with recommendations for future research on the socio-economic impacts of Smart Tourism, ethical data usage, and the adaptation of technologies to diverse contexts. It calls for increased investment in digital infrastructure and stakeholder collaborative efforts to promote sustainable and inclusive tourism development.

Abstract This study conducted an analysis of 1500 user generated content from Google Travel to examine the factors influencing airport services and customer perceptions. Quantitative textual analysis is employed to extract meaningful insights. Our findings highlighted the most frequently used words in airport user generated content, reflecting critical aspects of airport experiences such as the airport itself, the quality of service, and international travel. A cluster analysis revealed five distinct clusters, representing flight operations, location, views, customer feelings, and intangible services. A co-occurrence network analysis showed strong correlations among keywords associated with positive experiences, underscoring the importance of service quality and infrastructure in customer satisfaction. Furthermore, through topic modeling, we categorized words into five distinct groups: airport flights, ground services, international services, customer experience, and location. The practical implications of this study are substantial. The insights can help airport management identify strengths and areas needing improvement, ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction and the overall airport experience.

Abstract Nowadays hyperconnectivity provides an opportunity for tourism industry to benefit from big data analytics as determining competitive factor, for decision making, product design and assertive marketing strategies for target segments; but at the same time, having financial, organizational and personal information stored in cyberspace and available to many users makes vulnerable to security risks like phishing and hacking, both common cybercrimes that affect tourism sector. This paper, introduces representation and model design stages of our own methodology based on self-organization approach that we propose to reinforce cybersecurity in tourism, as part of a research project founded by National Council for Science and Technology postdoctoral scholarship for Mexico.

Abstract This research explores the untapped tourism potential of three tranquil villages in Bukit Tengah, Penang, Malaysia. Its overarching strategy is to foster sustainability and economic growth, particularly in the B40 communities of the area. Employing mixed-methods research, the study evaluates tourism products through systematic weighted scoring, questionnaire surveys, and interviews with key informants and tourism stakeholders. The sustainable development theory is used in this study as a conceptual framework for rural tourism development, emphasising the integration of economic, social, and environmental dimensions to ensure long-term viability and benefits for local communities. The results indicate the latent potential for rural tourism development in the three villages, contingent upon garnering local support and collaborating with tourism stakeholders. The study highlights the capacity of rural tourism promotion in generating additional income for the local population, thus promoting both environmental sustainability and community well-being. These findings align with the state government’s goal of achieving balanced tourism growth between the island and Seberang Prai regions. Moreover, this research also aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 8 and 11, recognising the role of tourism in achieving goals such as poverty reduction, environmental sustainability, and community well-being, all of which are relevant to rural tourism development.

Abstract This research studies Australian travellers’ satisfaction with traditional accommodations in Invercargill, New Zealand and the aim is to explore Australian travellers’ satisfaction with traditional accommodations in this city. This descriptive research uses content analysis based on 256 online reviews gathered from online travel platforms and analysed using quantitative and qualitative methods. The research results distinguish that Australian travellers in Invercargill were mostly couples who stayed two days or less in motels and hotels. The quantitative results indicate that most Australian travellers gave moderate satisfaction ratings, with no significant differences across different accommodation types and traveller categories. The qualitative analysis revealed that Australian travellers generally expressed satisfaction with room, service, and accommodation characteristics but identified areas for improvement, including indoor environment, bathroom, soundproofing, service quality, and certain aspects of accommodation characteristics. The study recommends that managers of traditional accommodations should make improvements based on negative feedback from Australian travellers.

Abstract Tourism development involves sustainably creating and managing destinations, products, and services that balance economic, social, and environmental factors while meeting visitor and local community expectations. The purpose of this study is to understand the local people’s perception of tourism development in Pokhara, Nepal. An explanatory research design is used to show the cause-and-effect relationship between variables. The research was conducted using Social Exchange Theory (SET). The data was examined using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The sample size was determined to be 403 using non-probability sampling. A structured questionnaire was designed to collect the data using the KOBO toolbox. Furthermore, the Structure Equation Model (SEM) was the analytical approach used to process the data. Results reveal a noteworthy relationship between independent variables (such as cultural impact, social impact, environmental impact, and economic impact) and dependent variables (support for tourism development). The major challenges in tourism development have been identified, including deficient infrastructure, suboptimal tourism strategies and implementation, and inadequate government oversight. Effective mitigation of these challenges necessitates the implementation of appropriate infrastructure and development initiatives, proficient governmental management, and a concerted effort to augment the quantity and quality of hotels and accommodations. The significance of cultural, social, environmental, and economic impact cannot be understated or overstated in the context of tourism development. Addressing major challenges, the study suggests focused efforts in enhancing infrastructure and development, adopting effective management practices, and augmenting the quantity and quality of hotels and accommodations.

Abstract In the dynamic and interconnected world of hospitality, smart hotel supply chains play a pivotal role in maintaining operational efficiency and service excellence. However, these supply chains are susceptible to many risks, including transportation disruptions, supplier insolvencies, and cybersecurity threats, which can severely impact business continuity and degrade service quality. This conceptual paper proposes a holistic framework for identifying, assessing, and mitigating supply chain risks within the context of smart hotels. By integrating advanced technologies and strategic management practices, this study aims to reinforce smart hotel supply chains against potential vulnerabilities, ensuring sustainable business operations and superior guest satisfaction. The paper explores various risk management measures and leverages supply chain management, hospitality, and cybersecurity insights to develop a robust risk management strategy tailored for smart hotels.

Abstract The tourism sector requires in-depth analysis and forecasting to provide a clear picture of various factors that affect the visits of foreign tourists to certain countries. In this context, the work carried out in this paper provides an in-depth analysis of the number of tourists to India and the revenue generated from them from the years 2014 to 2020. Furthermore, the analysis of the different states of India to which the tourists visited the most and the quarterly analysis of the tourists to India are also presented. The impact of the corona pandemic on the tourism sector of India is also shown by comparing the number of tourists in 2019 and 2020. Support vector regression (SVR) is trained with historical data on the number of tourists from 2001 to 2016 and validated for 2017 to 2019. This trained model is used to forecast the number of tourists from 2020 to 2023 to study the impact of corona pandemic on the number of foreign tourists to India. Similarly, historical data on foreign exchange fees from 2001 to 2016 is used to train the model, which is validated with data from 2017 to 2019. This train model is used to predict the Foreign Exchange Earning (FEE) for the years 2020 to 2022. The actual FEE is compared with the predicted FEE to show the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the revenue generated from tourism in India.

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 This research focuses on identifying and enhancing the capabilities and potentials of urban tourism with the aim of improving the brand image and personality in Tabriz City. The research methodology, given its practical nature, is based on the analytical-survey method. The statistical population includes all city managers and experts in the tourism sector of Tabriz City. The data were analyzed using SPSS software, and the ANP and TOPSIS Fuzzy decision-making models were employed for prioritizing criteria. The results indicate that Tabriz City possesses exceptional tourism power, capacity, and potential. The examination of urban tourism capabilities and potentials in Tabriz demonstrates that its tourism capacity is particularly pronounced in the social, cultural, traditional, historical, and architectural domains. The social and cultural identity index of the city (celebrities, music) with a normalized weight of 0.0277, the presence of historical entities in the city with a normalized weight of 0.0274, the old context with traditional architecture (houses, mosques, etc.) with a normalized weight of 0.0272, great variety in souvenirs and food products with a normalized weight of 0.0271, creating a sense of belonging to a neighborhood among residents with a normalized weight of 0.0270, and special customs in the city (food styles, etc.) with a normalized weight of 0.0270 are among the most important indicators. Therefore, city managers and officials in the tourism sector of Tabriz should pay special attention to the social and cultural capacities and historical and architectural components to introduce Tabriz as a cultural and historical city at both the national and international levels. The tourism planning for Tabriz should be based on the city's cultural, architectural, and historical attractions.

Abstract Smart tourism has used information technology with the infrastructure environments built for all kinds of tourism services that provide advantages for tourists, service providers, technology companies or the city itself. Due to the popularity of mobile technologies and applications, smart tourism undoubtedly changes consumers’ and providers’ behavior. The purpose of this study is to provide a systematic literature review of academic research related to information technology, computer science, mobile technologies and applications in smart tourism published between 2017 and 2019. Published articles are gathered from online search engines “Google Scholar”, “ScienceDirect” and “EBSCOHOST”. According to a keyword-driven search and content analysis, 142 articles have been chosen for examination in this research. Selected publications are collected and analyzed according to the proposed research questions, methodology, topics, technology focus, sub-themes and future trends that are thematically classified into three main categories: consumer perspective, technological perspective and provider perspective. The findings provide to an overall understanding of the most recent research into information technology, computer science, mobile technologies and applications in smart tourism by demonstrating the main results, methods, future trends and other insights of relevant publications. This study provides a systematic review of the most current published academic research from 2017 to 2019 on information technology, computer science, mobile technologies and applications in smart tourism. The results of this study construct an agenda for future research in tourism and hospitality industry by identifying major future trends and developments in smart tourism.

Abstract The sustainable development of tourism destinations is a continual and evolving process crucial for long-term value and well-being. However, the existing literature reveals a gap in understanding how to effectively evaluate the sustainable development of tourism objects, with a predominant focus on developed countries. This raises concerns about the applicability of similar strategies in underdeveloped nations. This study employs an analysis of the scientific literature to address the identified research problem. We propose a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to sustainable tourism management, aiming to equalize the distribution of economic, social, and cultural dimensions. Our focus is on developing a theoretical evaluation model that goes beyond conventional frameworks and includes both broad and narrow dimensions. The research uncovers that sustainable development, as presented by various authors, encompasses economic benefits, environmental protection, and social dimension management. We introduce a sustainability management model that surpasses existing systems, offering a holistic perspective. Moreover, we emphasize the significance of voluntary publicity for environmental and socio-cultural activities in enhancing a tourism destination’s image and societal value. Our study contributes a theoretical evaluation model based on global criteria for sustainable tourism. This model not only evaluates the dimensions of coherence broadly but also incorporates specific criteria for a nuanced analysis of the current situation and potential opportunities. The proposed framework aims to guide tourism destinations in achieving economic benefits without compromising the environment and prioritizing the well-being of local communities, thus fostering a more sustainable and equitable development process.