A Paradigm Model for Developing Rural Smart Tourism Destinations

A B S T R A C T
Smart tourism is pivotal for optimising resource allocation and enhancing the quality of visitor experiences. In rural areas - which frequently suffer from inadequate technical infrastructure, limited uptake of advanced technologies, and low awareness among local residents - smart tourism can serve as a conduit for unlocking these communities’ latent capacities. Guided by grounded theory, we conducted a qualitative study involving semi structured interviews with 15 purposively selected experts in tourism and rural planning. Data were analysed iteratively through open, axial and selective coding, culminating in the construction of a comprehensive paradigm model for rural smart tourism development. The analysis delineated the causal, contextual and intervening conditions shaping smart tourism, along with the associated strategic actions and outcomes. Economic, cultural, infrastructural and regulatory factors emerged as critical determinants of success. Key strategies include capacity building and empowerment of local communities, targeted investment in digital and physical infrastructure, and the creation of rich digital content. By integrating these elements, the study advances a paradigm model that offers a structured pathway for transforming rural destinations into smart tourism hubs. Policy recommendations centre on empowering local stakeholders, expanding technological infrastructure, enriching visitor experiences through digital content, and bolstering local institutions to ensure effective governance of smart tourism initiatives.
Extended Abstract
Introduction
Smart tourism is pivotal in optimising resource management and enhancing visitor experiences, making it a promising strategy for sustainable development. By leveraging advanced technologies and data‑driven practices, smart tourism delivers innovative solutions, especially in rural areas hampered by inadequate infrastructure, limited technology adoption, and low local awareness. In Iran, however, the lack of a comprehensive model for smart tourism development has impeded the full utilization of the country’s rich rural natural, cultural, and historical assets. Responding to this gap, the study proposes a paradigm model for rural smart‑tourism development that foregrounds the dynamic interplay of economic, social, and technological dimensions. Smart rural tourism—enabled by the Internet of Things, big‑data analytics, and collaborative digital platforms—enhances visitor experiences, boosts destination competitiveness, and supports the conservation of local resources. The COVID‑19 pandemic has underscored the need for targeted visitor management; consequently, we highlight the role of modern technologies in delivering contactless services and widening access to information. Building on successful international precedents—most notably the European Union’s smart‑village initiatives—this study identifies the key determinants of rural smart tourism and offers operational strategies for the digital transformation of Iran’s rural destinations.
 
Methodology
This study employs a qualitative, grounded‑theory design. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 15 tourism‑ and rural‑planning experts recruited via snowball sampling, and interviewing continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Coding proceeded iteratively through three stages—open, axial, and selective—using Atlas. ti 9. During open coding, emergent concepts such as “digital infrastructure” and “local community training” were identified. Axial coding then related these concepts to the core phenomenon of smart rural tourism development, generating a paradigmatic model that specifies causal, contextual, and intervening conditions, strategies, and outcomes. Selective coding integrated the categories into a coherent theoretical narrative. Credibility and dependability were strengthened through purposeful participant selection, constant comparative analysis, and member checking.
 
Results and discussion
The findings underscore the pivotal influence of economic, infrastructural, and managerial factors on the advancement of smart rural tourism. Causal conditions—economic (financial resources), infrastructural (communication networks), legal (transparent regulations), technical (modern technologies), and managerial (effective governance)—operate as the primary drivers of smart rural tourism, improving destination accessibility and streamlining tourism services while laying the groundwork for further development. Contextual conditions—cultural (local heritage preservation), social (community interaction), environmental (natural assets) and institutional (local governance structures)—provide the setting within which smart rural tourism takes shape and may either facilitate or constrain progress; strong local culture can motivate resource conservation, whereas weak institutions may hinder development.
Recommended strategies comprise capacity‑building and empowerment of local communities, targeted investment in digital infrastructure, and the creation of locally tailored digital content. Collectively, these measures aim to raise awareness, accelerate technology uptake, and bolster destination competitiveness. Community empowerment fosters active resource stewardship and richer host–guest interaction, whereas high‑quality digital content broadens information access and delivers distinctive smart experiences.
Intervening conditions consist of local digital literacy and stakeholders’ openness to change, particularly among tourism entrepreneurs and homestay operators. Limited digital literacy can retard technology adoption, whereas broad stakeholder support underpins the sustainable implementation of proposed strategies.
The anticipated outcomes are multifaceted, spanning economic (sustained employment), cultural‑social (revival of local traditions), informational (enhanced data accessibility), and spatial (more equitable service distribution) dimensions. Taken together, these benefits reinforce local economies, strengthen place identity and cultural heritage, and elevate the competitive standing of rural destinations.
 
Conclusion
The findings underscore the need for an integrated approach to developing smart tourism destinations. Causal and contextual conditions together constitute the foundations and drivers that enable the effective implementation of strategies. A comparison with earlier studies—including Ibrahimpour et al (2021) and Nadali (2020)—confirms this alignment, particularly concerning infrastructure upgrades and enhanced digital literacy. This study, however, is distinctive in its exclusive focus on rural areas and in the paradigmatic model it advances.
Successful application of the proposed model may generate sustainable employment, elevate residents’ quality of life, safeguard cultural heritage, and promote spatial justice. To realise these objectives, governments and local institutions should prioritise strengthening ICT infrastructure, expanding digital‑literacy programmes, and fostering cross-sector collaboration. Transparent legal frameworks and targeted financial incentives would further galvanise stakeholder participation. Beyond contributing to the sustainable development of rural areas, the model offers a robust analytical scaffold for future research on smart rural tourism.
 
Funding
This research was supported by the National Support Fund for Researchers and Technologists under contract number 4004926, dated April 5, 2022.
 
Authors’ Contributions
All authors equally contributed to the conceptualization, design, and writing of this article. They reviewed and approved the final version of the manuscript and agreed to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
 
Conflict of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
 
Acknowledgments
The authors gratefully acknowledge the contributions of all scientific advisors who supported this research.