Feasibility Study of Kainuu, Finland as a Smart Tourist Destination

Abstract

The development of tourist destinations into Smart Destinations is a growing phenomenon worldwide, with the implementation of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and smart solutions giving forward-thinking destinations a competitive edge in the local and international market. The use of ICTs can be beneficial to a destination, however there are also significant limitations and drawbacks to their impact on tourist experiences. This paper discusses what Smart Destinations are in theory, how they function in practice with qualitative research into the case studies of Spain and Benidorm, and whether Kainuu is a feasible destination to benefit from pursuing a Smart Destination tourism strategy.