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A Proposal for Assessing Digital Economy Spatial Readiness at Tourism Destinations

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  • Vicente Ramos

    (SmartDestination Working Group, Applied Economics Department, University of the Balearic Islands, 07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain)

  • Maurici Ruiz-Pérez

    (SmartDestination Working Group, Geography Department, University of the Balearic Islands, 07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain)

  • Bartomeu Alorda

    (SmartDestination Working Group, Industrial Engineering and Construction Department, University of the Balearic Islands, 07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain)

Abstract

Information and communications technologies (ICT)—and more precisely, their use from fulltime connected mobile gadgets—offer valuable opportunities to interact with tourists using their own devices. In order to exploit these benefits, destinations should have appropriate digital infrastructure to allow for bidirectional smart communication with their visitors. However, the spatial distribution of such coverage, and the geographical concurrence of tourism activities and ICT infrastructure, have been poorly examined. This paper contributes to this analysis by quantifying digital accessibility with both a broader regional approach and a narrower local perspective. First, we propose a digital immersion index, and apply it to the Balearic Islands, Spain. Second, alternative Moran’s indices are used to study the spatial distribution and correlation of tourism and technological infrastructure for a local destination. The results are presented through easily interpretable maps, which can inform tourism policies, such as identifying and prioritizing ITC investments.

Suggested Citation

  • Vicente Ramos & Maurici Ruiz-Pérez & Bartomeu Alorda, 2021. "A Proposal for Assessing Digital Economy Spatial Readiness at Tourism Destinations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-15, October.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:19:p:11002-:d:649695
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ionica Oncioiu & Iustin Priescu, 2022. "The Use of Virtual Reality in Tourism Destinations as a Tool to Develop Tourist Behavior Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-15, April.

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