Developing a smart tourism destination through social big data : multiple case studies from Wakayama Prefecture

This study uses Wakayama prefecture as a showcase to demonstrate how local governments and Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) can develop a smart tourism destination (STD) themselves through the social big data available from tourists. This study highlights the misunderstanding that STD can only be built based on state-of-the-art technology supported by national government through the conceptualization of an STD. Social big data is an essential resource that can assist local governments and DMOs in enhancing tourists’ smart experience and supporting smart business ecosystems. This study also emphasizes the importance of shifting from government-centered STDs to value co-creation among all stakeholders. Finally, the implications for researchers and practitioners interested in the managerial exploitation of social big data in planning and developing STDs in local places are presented.