Smart tourism is revolutionizing the tourism industry by integrating advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT), to enhance visitor experiences and boost destination competitiveness. This study presents a bibliometric analysis of smart tourism literature published between 2013 and 2024, examining publication trends, influential works, and key research themes. The findings reveal significant advancements in digital tools and strategies, such as Social, Context-aware, and Mobile (SoCoMo) marketing, and immersive technologies like virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR). These innovations have driven personalized, real-time services and data-driven decision-making in destination management. The analysis also highlights contributions from leading countries and scholars, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and exploring challenges like data privacy and governance. Despite the transformative potential of smart tourism, adoption rates among tourists remain constrained by technological complexities and privacy concerns. As the industry adapts to post-pandemic realities, virtual tourism and sustainable practices are pivotal for future research and implementation. This study offers valuable insights into the evolution of smart tourism, guiding stakeholders in navigating the digital transformation of the sector.
Keywords: Smart tourism, Digital transformation, Artificial intelligence, Virtual reality, Destination management, Bibliometric analysis
