Making sense of smart tourism destinations: A qualitative text analysis from Sweden

The concept of smart tourism destinations has gained increased attention in research literature and among tourism stakeholders. However, the concept is still considered in need of more in-depth explanations for understanding and making sense of the notion. The contribution of the concept of smart tourism destinations to managerially relevant knowledge is particularly difficult to assess due to its complexity. Therefore, a qualitative text analysis of stakeholder interviews is proposed and conducted using the GABEK® methodology to identify recurring themes in the stakeholders' understanding of smart tourism destinations. The GABEK® methodology aims to represent the texts of open interviews as networks of interrelated keywords to make sense of a complex phenomenon. This study explores how destination stakeholders from two different Swedish destinations make sense of the concept of smart tourism destinations. Study findings show that, from the destination stakeholders' point of view, there is a need to counterbalance the currently dominant focus on technology with softer though more existential values to construct a sustainable path of destination development. As for the theoretical contribution, this study clarifies properties of smart tourism destinations and stakeholders’ sense-making of the concept of smart tourism destination. •Show how destination stakeholders make sense of smart tourism destinations.•A qualitative text analysis is proposed and conducted using the GABEK® methodology.•Identified themes address understanding, networking and sustainable development.•Transparency and interdisciplinary networking are needed to avoid silo thinking.•Findings show managerial gaps that an adaptive destination management could close.