Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://accedacris.ulpgc.es/jspui/handle/10553/168753
Authors: Aguiar Castillo, Carmen Lidia
Palomo Santiago, Miguel
Pérez Jimenez, Rafael
Parra-López, Eduardo
Keywords: Cognitive destinations
Smart tourism ecosystems
Artificial intelligence in tourism
Neuroadaptive tourism systems
Hyper-personalization in travel, et al
Issue Date: 2026
Project: digitwinquest
Journal: Journal of Destination Marketing and Management 
Abstract: The rapid evolution of smart destinations has redefined tourism by integrating digital technologies, real-time data analytics, and hyper-connectivity. However, the next frontier lies in the emergence of Cognitive Destinations, which transcend traditional smart tourism by embedding artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and neuroadaptive systems to create fully responsive, self-optimizing tourism ecosystems. This paper explores the paradigm shift from data-driven automation to context-aware cognition, where destinations dynamically anticipate and adapt to traveler needs, sustainability challenges, and urban resilience. By integrating concepts from cognitive computing, human-centric AI, and behavioral analytics, we propose a Cognitive Destination Model (CDM) that moves beyond passive data processing to proactive decision-making and emotional intelligence in tourism management. Through a comparative analysis of destinations transitioning towards cognitive intelligence, the research identifies key technological enablers, governance challenges, and ethical considerations shaping the future of smart tourism. By 2050, the most competitive destinations are expected to be not merely smart but cognitively enhanced—capable of real-time learning, hyper-personalization, and autonomous sustainability management. The concept of the cognitive tourism destination is presented as an evolutionary extension of the smart destination paradigm, providing a roadmap for policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers navigating the transformation from smart to cognitive tourism ecosystems.
URI: https://accedacris.ulpgc.es/jspui/handle/10553/168753
ISSN: 2212-571X ; 2212-5752
DOI: 10.1016/j.jdmm.2026.101128
Source: Journal of Destination Marketing & Management, 42, 2026
Appears in Collections:Artículos
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