Italian tourist destinations are currently undergoing a rapid technological transformation: data, digital platforms, artificial intelligence, marketing tools, dashboards, and analytics systems are increasingly becoming part of the conversation on destination management.
However, while innovation is advancing rapidly, many regions are still moving at a slower pace, often hampered by organizational fragmentation, weak governance, and a lack of clearly defined strategic priorities. From this perspective, the discussion aims to shift the focus from mere digital innovation to the strategic capacity of regions. To truly become “smart,” a destination must first understand its current situation, establish effective governance, integrate data and technology into decision-making processes, and define growth strategies consistent with its resources and operational capabilities.
Within this framework, the Smart Destination Index is presented as a potential methodological approach to support destinations: a tool for analysis and guidance that can help foster discussion on how to translate innovation, data, and expertise into concrete strategic decisions.
SPEAKERS
Marco Platania
Local Development Observatory – GAL Terra Barocca
Michela Ciccarelli
Tourism Data Analyst & BI
Federico Assenza
Data Analyst and Digital Consultant for Tourist Destinations
Rodolfo Baggio
Bocconi University Ricercatore e Docente
Emanuele Burioni
APT Services Emilia-Romagna Direttore
