Conclusion: sustainability, smart tourism destinations and evolving visitor preferences

Purpose The primary aim of this themed issue is to highlight the incorporation of sustainability principles in the progress of tourism and the monitoring of tourists' evolving preferences, all within the sustainability framework and smart tourism destinations. The strategic question underlying this theme issue is how can we interpret, relate and monitor the rapidly evolving visitor preferences within sustainability and smart tourism destinations? Design/methodology/approach This issue’s critical outcomes as they relate to the strategic question are reviewed, with reference to the contributions made to knowledge, policy and practice and the implications for future applied research concerning sustainability, smart tourism destinations and evolving visitor preferences. Findings Arising from the analysis and synthesis of recommendations, the following themes were proposed as critical concentration points for rapidly evolving visitor preferences within sustainability and smart tourism destinations: as in all areas of life, sustainability will continue to be a prominent concept in the tourism sector. Smart solutions and the use of technology have also been identified as determining factors in creating sustainable destinations. On the other hand, changing and evolving tourist preferences are emerging as a driving force for smart destinations and sustainability. Tourism destinations must take steps toward sustainability by considering the changing visitor structure, evolving demands and needs. Some articles in this special issue also analyze tourist demands and sustainability efforts of destinations in specific destinations and provide invaluable insights. Originality/value As it is essential for all stakeholders of the tourism industry to achieve competitiveness while securing sustainability, this particular article suggests ways for the industry as a whole, its players, destination administrations, local and national policymakers and other major stakeholders of the tourism industry to address some issues faced by the industry. Factors such as changing customer structure, use of technology and increasing environmental awareness make it necessary for destination management and all players individually to take vital measures. This paper and the collection of articles in this thematic issue offer crucial insights for academics, professionals and decision-makers in creating a complete framework to assess, connect and regularly track changing visitor preferences. The papers include recommendations for creating robust tourism locations that effectively tackle challenges, promote inclusion and prepare for future advancements. This is achieved by examining the convergence of sustainability, smart tourism and changing tourist tastes.