A comprehensive structural framework for smart stadiums as essential components of smart tourism destinations
Alkiviadis Panagopoulos, Vasiliki Matika, Ioannis A. Nikas, Elen Paraskevi Paraschi
Abstract
Purpose This paper aims to establish a comprehensive structural framework for smart stadiums, examining their integration as key elements of smart tourism destinations and investigating their impact on visitors' intention to visit. Design/methodology/approach The study reviews existing literature and corporate sources to identify emerging smart tools and determine key dimensions of smart stadiums. A research model was developed, and partial least square-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to analyze the relationships between these dimensions and their impact on visit intention. Findings The proposed framework identifies key components such as sustainability, commercial opportunities, safety and security, customer service, entertainment and engagement and operational efficiency. The analysis indicates that sustainability has the highest impact on visit intention, followed by commercial opportunities and safety and security. Customer service and entertainment significantly enhance the visitor experience, while operational efficiency, though important, has a lower direct impact on visit intention. Practical implications Implementing this framework can improve fan engagement, resource management and sustainability in stadium operations, thereby enhancing the overall tourism appeal of host cities. Originality/value This study offers a structured approach to incorporating smart technologies in stadiums, emphasizing their role in advancing smart tourism destinations and providing empirical insights into the factors influencing visit intention.