This timely book critically explores how smart tourism technologies can create more inclusive, empowered communities, helping local residents benefit from and participate in the tourism economy while ensuring sustainability. To achieve this, it examines the role of digital platforms, smart infrastructure, and advanced technologies like AI, IoT, and big data in enhancing local engagement, sustainability, and economic growth through tourism. It further looks at how technology plays an increasingly critical role in shaping not only tourist experiences but also community participation in the tourism economy from current practices to future innovations. This is supported by case studies from around the world, showing challenges as well as how technology can drive both the tourism sector and the empowerment of local communities.
This book is of great interest to upper-level students, researchers, and academics of tourism, development studies, and sustainability, as well as professionals in the field of tourism management.