Análise das dimensões de um destino turístico inteligente: um estudo em Natal/RN (Brasil)

Abstract

With the proposal to leverage the tourism activity through the application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), the advent of smart technologies corroborate with the development of the concept of Smart Tourism Destination (STD). In this context, this study analyzed aspects of the Natal tourist destination (Rio Grande do Norte) as a Smart Tourist Destination. To reach the objective of the research was used the Spanish model of the Valencian Community, INVAT.TUR, which presents indicators such as Governance, Sustainability, Connectivity, Sensorization, Information and Innovation system. The INVAT.TUR model was used to guide the research and it was adapted to the reality of the destination. Regarding the means of research, it was conducted interviews with 10 (ten) public and private managers, related to the tourist activity of Natal through a semi-structured script. The research is of a descriptive and exploratory nature using a qualitative approach through the technique of content analysis. To assist in data analysis, the NVIVO Software was used (version 12.0). According to the data analyzed in the survey, in the vision of the INVAT.TUR, Natal is in embryonic stage as a Smart Tourist Destination. In the view of the interviewed managers, despite the great tourist potential, the absence of strategies and actions delays the advancement of the destination. From the research, it was concluded that Natal is still at a level below what is expected of a Smart Tourism Destination and strategies are needed to boost the development of the destination through participatory planning of the actors of the tourism production chain.