Have you ever imagined traveling without long queues at ticket counters, without struggling to find exciting locations, or without worrying about getting lost in an unfamiliar place? Welcome to the world of Smart Tourism, where technology becomes the key to a smoother, more efficient, and exciting travel experience!
What is Smart Tourism?
In simple terms, Smart Tourism refers to the use of smart technology in the tourism industry to enhance tourist experiences, manage resources more efficiently, and drive the industry to a more competitive and sustainable level. Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, and mobile applications are the backbone of this concept.
According to Gretzel et al. (2015), a smart tourism destination is a place that leverages technology to provide easier access to tourism products, services, and experiences for visitors. Countries like China are among the best examples of successfully applying this concept.
How Does Smart Tourism Work?
Imagine you are vacationing in Langkawi. Upon arrival, your smartphone instantly suggests a personalized itinerary based on your interests and budget. You can book entrance tickets to Langkawi Geopark online, get digital navigation to hidden spots rarely known by tourists, and even receive exclusive discounts through a dedicated app.
Key elements of Smart Tourism include:
- Super Apps: Platforms like the AirAsia Super App that integrate flight bookings, hotels, transportation, and activities in one place.
- AI Chatbots: Such as AVA by AirAsia, which automatically answers travelers’ queries.
- Targeted Digital Marketing: Malaysia’s collaboration with Tencent Holdings to attract Chinese tourists through digital marketing.
- 5G & IoT Implementation: The rollout of 5G in Langkawi allows for faster and more interactive tourism experiences.
Smart Tourism in Malaysia: What Has Been Done?
The Malaysian government recognizes the importance of Smart Tourism in advancing the tourism industry. On April 5, 2018, Tourism Malaysia launched Malaysia Smart Tourism 4.0, a major initiative to bring the industry into the digital age. This initiative is expected to boost Malaysia’s tourism revenue from USD 25 billion to USD 110 billion by 2030.
As part of the National Tourism Policy 2020-2030, one of the key transformation strategies is to embrace Smart Tourism. Steps that have been taken include:
- Development of Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) like Klook and LangkawiBooks for seamless bookings.
- Utilization of Big Data Analytics to understand tourism trends and traveler preferences.
- Innovation in smart transportation and AI-powered tourism experiences.
Why Should We Support Smart Tourism?
Smart Tourism is not just a trend; it is a necessity in today’s travel landscape. As technology advances, the tourism industry must keep up to stay relevant. The main benefits of Smart Tourism include:
✔ A smoother and more enjoyable travel experience
✔ Faster and more efficient booking processes
✔ Increased tourism revenue for the country
✔ Sustainable tourism through better resource management
✔ Creation of jobs and infrastructure development
Conclusion
Smart Tourism is no longer a futuristic concept – it is happening now! As travelers, we can support this initiative by leveraging technology in our journeys. As tourism industry players, we must be innovative and adaptable to change. Malaysia has great potential to become a leading Smart Tourism destination in the world – but only if we dare to step out of our comfort zone.
So, are you ready for a smarter travel experience?