From Green to Smart: Evolution of Sustainable Tourism in the Digital Era

Sustainable tourism has undergone a significant transformation, shifting from traditional “green” practices toward more advanced “smart” approaches that integrate digital technologies, data-driven management, and interconnected systems. This transition reflects the growing need to balance tourism development with environmental protection, social well-being, and economic sustainability. Smart tourism destinations utilize emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and big data analytics to optimize resource use, enhance tourist experiences, and support long-term environmental conservation. Digitalization plays a crucial role in redefining sustainability by enabling real-time monitoring, predictive analysis, and efficient management of natural and infrastructural resources. Smart systems help reduce environmental impacts by managing energy consumption, waste disposal, and visitor flows more effectively. At the same time, they contribute to improving service quality, operational efficiency, and decision-making processes within tourism management. The digital transition also influences multiple stakeholders, including local communities, government authorities, and private enterprises. While smart technologies promote transparency, innovation, and improved public service delivery, they also raise important ethical concerns related to data privacy, digital equity, and inclusivity. Therefore, the adoption of smart tourism requires thoughtful governance frameworks to ensure that technological advancement supports sustainable development rather than merely accelerating technological growth. Through emerging examples and case studies, such as AI-supported heritage conservation and smart mobility systems, the chapter highlights how digital solutions are transforming tourism destinations. Smart tourism initiatives demonstrate the potential to address global challenges such as overtourism, climate change, and resource depletion. Ultimately, integrating intelligent technologies into tourism management can create resilient, sustainable, and future-ready destinations that benefit both visitors and host communities.