Identification and structural analysis of drivers affecting the development of smart urban tourism: A case study of Yazd city

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Department of Geography, Faculty of Humanities, Ferdowsi university of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

2 Department of Computer, Faculty of Technical and Engineering, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

A B S T R A C T
With the advancement of science and technology in recent years, smart technologies have been applied in various areas of human life. The tourism sector, as one of the leading economic sectors, has been influenced by technological transformations, and competition in this field has intensified with rising tourist expectations. To succeed in the competitive tourism market, tourism destinations must pay attention to the rapid changes in technology and the drivers and trends affecting smart urban tourism. The aim of this research is to identify and prioritize the drivers influencing smart tourism in the city of Yazd. For this purpose, the method of mutual impact analysis has been used to examine the relationships between various factors and their impacts in detail. Key factors were selected in four dimensions: smart human resources, smart technological infrastructure, smart business ecosystem, and physical infrastructure. After identifying the factors, a questionnaire was designed and rated by experts and analyzed using the Mic Mac software. The results showed that four variables smart security, mobile communication infrastructure, databases, and recommendation systems are among the most important drivers affecting smart tourism in Yazd. Additionally, indicators of the smart business ecosystem are positioned next. Therefore, policies should move towards enhancing and developing smart technological infrastructures to best meet the needs of tourists and provide them with a unique and satisfying experience. This approach not only helps improve the quality of tourism services but also leads to sustainable development and competitiveness of Yazd in the tourism sector, aiding in attracting more tourists.
Extended Abstract
Introduction
With significant scientific and technological advancements in recent years, smart technologies have gradually been integrated into many aspects of human life. The tourism sector, as one of the most progressive economic fields, has been profoundly influenced by technological developments, with industry competition intensifying due to increasing tourist expectations. Tourism destinations must pay attention to rapid technological changes and the key drivers that affect urban smart tourism environments to succeed in competitive markets. The objective of this research is to identify and prioritize the drivers influencing smart tourism development in Yazd City.
 
Methodology 
This applied research adopts a descriptive-analytical approach. The study utilized library research, including books, scholarly articles, domestic and international research, and internet searches, to establish the theoretical foundations and identify research indicators and key factors. A validated questionnaire was prepared and distributed to domain experts. The questionnaire was designed in a matrix format where each factor was placed in both rows and columns, allowing experts to assess the influence of each factor on others using a 0-3 scale (0 = no impact; 1 = low impact; 2 = moderate impact; 3 = high impact). This process determined the interdependence between variables. The resulting matrices were then analyzed using MICMAC software, which performs structural analysis through cross-impact matrices to calculate each factor's driving power and dependency. The software output typically presents the results in a scatter plot, categorizing factors into four groups: independent, dependent, bipolar, and autonomous.
 
Results and discussion
The research results revealed that four variables are the most significant drivers affecting smart tourism in Yazd City: smart security systems, mobile communication infrastructure, integrated databases, and recommendation systems with personalization techniques. Additionally, indicators related to the smart business ecosystem were ranked next in importance. These findings demonstrate that focusing on these key drivers can significantly improve tourism services and enhance the overall tourist experience in Yazd.
Smart tourism has become an essential component of 21st-century smart cities, requiring careful planning and identification of influential factors for successful development. This study examined the key drivers affecting smart tourism in Yazd City, with MICMAC analysis identifying four primary variables as the most influential: smart security, mobile communication infrastructure, databases, and recommendation systems with personalization techniques. Smart security systems are particularly crucial for protecting both tourists and cultural heritage in Yazd. The implementation of technologies such as intelligent surveillance cameras and sensors can effectively identify potential threats, reduce risks, and increase tourist confidence. These systems also play vital roles in crisis management and can help mitigate the negative impacts of natural disasters.
Mobile communication infrastructure emerged as another critical driver, reflecting the growing reliance of modern tourists on smartphones and mobile applications for travel planning and information access. As a UNESCO-listed historical city, Yazd requires robust and efficient infrastructure to provide visitors with comprehensive information about its numerous historical, cultural, and religious sites. The development of integrated databases represents another important driver, as these systems can provide complete information about tourism destinations and better understand tourist needs. Such databases enable more effective analysis of tourist behavior patterns, leading to improved service quality.
Recommendation systems and personalization techniques, which utilize user data and advanced algorithms to deliver customized services based on individual preferences, complete the list of key drivers. These technologies can significantly enhance travel experiences and increase tourist satisfaction levels. Collectively, these drivers contribute to the development of smart tourism in Yazd City and facilitate the delivery of optimal, integrated services for visitors.
 
Conclusion 
This research has systematically analyzed and prioritized the drivers influencing smart tourism development in Yazd City. The findings clearly identify four primary variables, in order of importance: smart security systems, mobile communication infrastructure, integrated databases, and recommendation systems with personalization techniques. These drivers not only contribute to improving the quality of tourism services but will also promote sustainable development and enhance Yazd's competitiveness in the tourism sector.
As a historical and cultural destination of global significance, Yazd requires advanced security systems to protect both its visitors and its valuable cultural heritage. The implementation of technologies such as intelligent surveillance cameras and various sensors can help identify potential threats and reduce risks effectively. Smart security measures also increase tourist confidence in the destination and can play a crucial role in crisis management situations.
This research provides a scientific foundation for strategic decision-making regarding smart tourism development in Yazd and can serve as a valuable reference for similar tourism destinations. Given the rapid pace of technological change and the evolving needs of tourists, ongoing research and investigation in this field remain essential to effectively address emerging challenges and capitalize on new opportunities. Future studies should continue to monitor the implementation and effectiveness of these key drivers to ensure Yazd's sustainable development as a leading smart tourism destination.
 
Funding
There is no funding support.
 
Authors’ Contribution
Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.
 
Conflict of Interest
-First author: Research design, writing introduction, theoretical foundations, findings, discussion and conclusion
-Second author: Participation in data analysis and assistance in editing and writing the article
 
Acknowledgments
 We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.

Keywords

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Future City, Indigenous Thought
Volume 1, Issue 1
August 2025
Pages 21-33

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