Introduction

In today’s world, tourism is changing faster than ever, thanks to innovations in digital technologies. At the same time, we must not ignore the essence of tourism, which is best presented in Erik Cohen’s (1974) definition:

“Tourism is the travel and temporary stay of people at attractive resources, to satisfy certain needs, gain new experiences, meeting people, cultures, traditions, and it is a measure of a country's social and economic progress.”

Technological advancement indeed brings new ways to explore destinations and engage tourists, but the preservation of cultural heritage - an essential element of authentic tourism - must remain the focus.

Throughout Module 5, we will explore how smart technology can be used to enhance tourist experiences while preserving cultural heritage. We will combine the best of both worlds and provide you with tools to create new, innovative tourist experiences through creative tourism.

What is Smart Tourism?

Smart tourism refers to the application of modern technologies in tourism to improve the travel experience and enhance the efficiency of destinations. By using digital tools such as mobile apps, geolocation, data analytics and interactive platforms, visitors receive personalized information as well as real-time access to the content. Smart tourism enables better organization and reduces the negative impacts of mass tourism, helping cities manage tourist flows, reduce congestion, and provide tourists with valuable and sustainable services. The key purpose of smart tourism is to create an interactive and personalized experience for tourists, as part of an innovative tourism offer, using technology as a tool to enhance mobility and tourist engagement.

Slide 3: Cultural Heritage vs. Creative Heritage

Cultural heritage is the wealth of the past, encompassing both tangible and intangible elements such as historical buildings, monuments, traditions, national clothing, languages, and customs. It is the foundation of a community’s identity.

Creative heritage, on the other hand, refers to living and ongoing cultural production—art, design, music, dance and other contemporary forms of expression that reflect observed culture.

Cultural heritage offers deep insight into the past, while creative heritage allows cultural practices to develop and adapt to the present society. In tourism, these two forms of heritage can be combined to create innovative selective forms of tourism - unique and engaging tourist experiences.

Slide 4: Smart + Heritage = Innovation

By combining smart technology and cultural heritage, tourism becomes more dynamic and interactive. Tourists are no longer passive observers—they become active participants in creating and experiencing culture. Innovations such as digital museum tours, augmented reality (AR), which brings historical sites to life, or gamified routes using GPS for educational and entertaining activities, allow tourists to connect with the past in new and exciting ways. For example, VR (virtual reality) can enable visitors to participate in historical events such as famous battles or cultural ceremonies—making them not just witnesses, but active participants in the story.

Slide 5: Best Practices

Examples of best practices in smart tourism and cultural heritage preservation show how innovative ideas can deliver lasting value. The Gijón Smart Cities Knowledge Chair is an initiative exploring how smart technologies can support sustainability and improve the tourist experience in urban environments.

Tech Talks in Timișoara brings together experts who exchange knowledge and experiences in using digital tools to promote cultural heritage, offering both inspiration and practical solutions for implementing smart tourism. These examples demonstrate how smart technology can enhance tourism without compromising the cultural identity of a community.