Tourism and Big Data:

A Look at Sirio in the Light of Smart Tourism Destinations Theories

Abstract

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are presented as important instruments to contribute to the viability of cities and Smart Tourism Destinations (STDs) through information systems such as Big Data, which make it possible to generate updated information to assist the local managers in local decision making. This study aims to understand the discussions about Big Data in the context of Smart Tourism Destinations and analyze the Tourism Intelligence System of Rio Grande do Norte's (SÍRIO) adherence to such discussions. This research is characterized as an exploratory-descriptive study with the case study as methodological strategy since the system in question will be examined based on the theory and the STDs' development models. As a result, it is concluded that the data available in SÍRIO are important for tourist destination management since it makes it possible to generate information and insights for the actors involved in the tourism chain as a whole; it also seeks to understand the State's visitor profile and its tourist flows. Finally, it is proposed to provide some degree of competitive intelligence for the destination by incorporating validated information from external sources that contribute to data analysis and interpretations that can generate value and competitiveness for the destination. Thus, Sírio presents itself as a relevant intelligence initiative for the locality, with adherence to what is recommended by the STD development models.