From theory to practicepublic policy in smart destinations

Resumen

The goals of the present study are to carry out an evaluativeanalysis of the Smart Destination (SD) policies developed in Spain—in the process establishing a methodological framework for the study itself— based on real proposals and then reach conclusions on the fit of such policies to the theoretical principles that inspire them. A decision was made to study the Aid Scheme for Smart Tourism Destinations within the framework of the National Plan for Smart Territories of the Digital Agenda for Spain. To this end, 113 lines of performance have been analysed in 25 Spanish destinations and grouped together according to 10 main themes.At the present time, technology is one of the axes that underpins the chain of tourism value. Consequently, a methodology has been designed to encompass three areas of technology, focusing on people, the destination itself and the designed data platform. The first focus adapts to the needs and expectations of both the tourist and the local resident. The second considers the destination in all its complexity and variety of resources. The third attempts to improve the effectiveness of the integrated territorial management of the destinations. The amount of aid being received by SDs from Spanish public institutions to develop technological systems in all the above areas is noteworthy at an international level.