Journal of Tourism and Development

Journal of Tourism and Development

Explaining the pattern of using smart technologies in the development of creative tourism by Generation Z

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Vali Nemati 1
Javad Maadani 1
Ali Delshad 2
Sajedeh Pirmoradian 3
Mir Hamid Seyed Mousavi 4
1 Associate Professor at the Department of Public Administration & Tourism, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran;
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Public Management and Tourism, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
3 M.A the Department of Public Administration & Tourism, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
4 cMaster of Tourism, Department of Public Administration and Tourism, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.
10.22034/jtd.2026.558845.3152
Abstract
This research was conducted to elucidate the model of using smart technologies in the development of creative tourism by Generation Z. The present study is qualitative and follows a sequential-exploratory methodological approach. In terms of purpose, it falls under applied research, and the statistical population includes Generation Z experts as well as other tourism experts and informants. The data for this research were collected through interviews and analyzed using Atlas Ti software. According to the interviews conducted, a total of 66 initial codes were obtained, from which 14 basic themes and 5 organizing themes were identified, including the pivotal role and integration of technology in creating creative tourism experiences, strategies for the development and support of creative tourism, the government's role in the sustainable development of creative tourism, understanding Generation Z as a new audience for creative tourism, and establishing infrastructure for the development of creative tourism. Additionally, 2 overarching themes emerged, including adopting effective measures for the development of creative tourism and managing and approaching digital transformations in the creative tourism industry. From the findings of the present study, it can be concluded that Generation Z, given its unique characteristics and familiarity with modern technologies, can act as a driving force in the development of creative tourism. By leveraging the capabilities of Generation Z and educating and involving the community in the use of artificial intelligence and smart technology, effective steps can be taken toward achieving creative tourism in line with the changes in the world of smart technology.
Keywords
Creative tourism
smart technology
Generation Z
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