Digital Pathways in Smart Tourism: A Systematic Literature Review on Key Drivers of Travelers' Decision-Making

Abstract

This study systematically investigates how digital components including information reliability, accessibility, cost efficiency, virtual reality and mobile adoption influence travelers' preferences in smart tourism. To do this, the study utilizes the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework to aggregate evidence from across the globe - showing both regional technology disparities, and a variety of different methodological approaches. In developed countries, technology integration is quite strong while developing regions face constraints of finance and infrastructure. These tech-centric factors are important to traveler decision-making, as indicated by the review; however, greater coverage of understudied regions is needed. The resulting insights provide the basis for targeted and holistic solutions to improve tourism services for the benefit of policymakers, industry practitioners and academics.