Measuring the promptness of destinations to move toward a smart tourism configuration: The case of apulia destination

The paper aims to contribute at the debate on smart tourism destinations as intelligent configuration of regional integrated and multi-sectorial system, evaluating the promptness of Apulia, as regional destination of growing popularity. At this purpose, a web-survey was used to gather data regarding the level of use of technologies, internet and social media for communication; the collaboration attitude and the level of integration with the other actors of the tourism system for creating new and innovative business opportunities; the level of interaction and collaboration with customers for experience and service co-creation; and the advantages and the main drawbacks related to the use of ICT applications. The results of context analysis evidence that the Apulian offering of hospitality need to invest more in the ICTs’ infrastructure, increasing digital services for customers and employees as well as in the creation of a cultural background able to sustain the process of emancipation of the destination in a smart perspective. Moreover, results suggest also the needs to create a culture of collaboration, enhancing dynamic interaction between diverse tourism actors.