Community Based Smart Tourism Village through Digital Transformation of Tourism Villages in Bandung Regency

This study aims to explore the implementation of Smart Tourism Village within the framework of public policy through digital technology at the local level. The research focuses on evaluating community digital readiness, the application of smart tourism practices, and the extent of community participation in tourism village governance, specifically in Pangalengan District, Bandung Regency. Employing a qualitative approach, data were gathered through in-depth interviews with six key informants, strategically selected for their roles in village governance, community-based digital initiatives, and tourism development. The findings indicate that although the majority of the community possesses digital devices and internet access, the use of digital technology in the tourism sector remains partial. Digital activities are mainly concentrated on promotion via social media, with minimal adoption of online reservation systems or integrated tourism data management platforms. The primary barriers include unstable digital infrastructure and low levels of digital literacy. Youth play a pivotal role as drivers of digital innovation, yet they lack adequate institutional support. These findings reveal that smart tourism initiatives remain fragmented and have not been fully integrated into the village governance system. The study recommends strengthening community-based digital literacy programs, developing locally integrated digital platforms, and establishing cross-sector partnerships to foster an inclusive and sustainable tourism village ecosystem.