Transforming Cultural Tourism in Dali, Yunnan: Harnessing Digitalization for Smart Sustainable Heritage Experiences

Abstract

This research article aims to identify and develop a strategy for the emergence of smart, sustainable tourism in Dali. Smart tourism refers to the use of ICT mechanisms to facilitate tourist access to tourism amenities as a major component of tourism. Arguably, the article uses literature such as published articles and books to show tourism as a global industry that accounts for about 9% of the global GDP and a major employment service industry. Furthermore, the study provides a descriptive analysis methodology to shed light on the different data collection methods employed in the study, as well as graphs and later analyses of the research data. Covid- 19 has recently affected the tourism sector more than any other industry. According to the findings of this study, smart tourism creates an environment that is conducive to the growth of visitors, enabling them to have positive experiences. A UN report states that 1.9 billion people will travel worldwide by 2030. This highlights the importance of facilitating peace and promoting major tourist destinations as potential destinations. Thus, tourism as an industry has, over the years, undergone various transformations concerning shifting its focus on advances in technology, such as ICT. This has helped to improve its capacity and thus ensure improved service.