The impact of smart tourism applications in destinations on destination brand equity and competitiveness: The case of Istanbul

This study attempts to reveal whether smart tourism practices in the destination of Istanbul have an impression on destination brand equity (DBE) and destination competitiveness (DC). The sample group of the study consisted of domestic tourists visiting Istanbul. The data were obtained through a questionnaire. Primarily the data were evaluated for validity and reliability, and then correlation and regression analyses were applied. The findings showed that smart tourism practices in Istanbul did in fact make an impression on the brand equity and competitiveness of destinations. The study offers suggestions for the dissemination of smart tourism applications, which are seen as an effective factor in the branding process and competitiveness of Istanbul. A review of the literature indicated that the impression of smart tourism applications on the branding process and competitiveness of the destination had been analyzed in this study for the first time. Therefore, it can be said that the study is original.