Digitalization and Smart Tourism Devel-op-ment in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area

Abstract

The proliferation of artificial intelligence, big data, and cloud computing has made smart tourism a pivotal driver of cultural-tourism transformation. Despite its geographical and cultural advantages, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) faces fragmented resources, weak cross-border coordination, and data barriers. This study employs literature review, case analysis, field investigation, and panel regression to examine digital empowerment in resource integration and smart tourism system design. Findings reveal that digital infrastructure and regional collaboration significantly promote industry growth, whereas GDP expansion alone has limited impact. The study introduces the “121” development model and a digitally empowered cultural-tourism innovation eco-system, underscoring technological application, value alignment, and governance synergy. Theoreti-cally, it illuminates integration pathways under cross-institutional settings and enriches discourses on smart tourism ecosystems and regional governance. By 2030, the GBA is expected to emerge as a world-class smart tourism hub.