Smart host-guest relationship in a rural context: The case of Lebanon

Abstract

The concept of smartness and smart tourism is gaining traction in the academic world; often applied to developed tourist destinations, this concept could also be applied in rural, developing and emerging areas to enable meaningful actor-to-actor relationships. Results of this research show the importance of focusing on human aspects of smartness for the co-creation of mutual value for host and guests. Based on triangulation of different data sources from a single case study in rural Lebanon, this research outlines how community-based contextual elements and culture, along with appropriate technology literacy auditing, should be considered when designing digital solutions that foster a meaningful and value-driven host-guest relationship.