Smart Tourism Implementation And Destination Competitiveness: Evidence From Labuan Bajo

Abstract

Tourism is a strategic sector that contributes to economic growth. However, tourist destinations in Indonesia, including Labuan Bajo, face challenges in managing information, accessibility, and visitor experiences due to limited adoption of digital technology. The uneven implementation of Smart Tourism may reduce destination competitiveness compared with global destinations. This study aims to analyze the implementation of Smart Tourism and its influence on destination competitiveness in Labuan Bajo. A quantitative approach with a correlational cross-sectional design was employed in the tourism area of Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. A total of 120 domestic and foreign tourists were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through structured questionnaires using a five-point Likert scale, supported by interviews and observations. Data were analyzed using univariate statistics, Pearson correlation, and simple linear regression. The results showed that 68.3% of respondents rated Smart Tourism implementation as good, 24.2% as moderate, and 7.5% as poor. Pearson correlation indicated a positive and significant relationship between Smart Tourism implementation and destination competitiveness (r=0.612; p<0.001). Regression analysis showed that Smart Tourism explained 37.4% of the variance in destination competitiveness (R²=0.374). Strengthening digital infrastructure, tourism information services, and stakeholder digital literacy is essential for sustainable tourism development.