Abstract

<jats:sec><jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Purpose</jats:title><jats:p>This study aims to evaluate the smart destination potential of the Şile district by identifying its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats related to smart city applications.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Design/methodology/approach</jats:title><jats:p>A comprehensive SWOT analysis was conducted using data from participants and relevant documentation to assess the feasibility of smart tourism initiatives in Şile.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Findings</jats:title><jats:p>The analysis reveals that Şile, due to its proximity to Istanbul, has significant potential to develop into a smart tourism destination. Key strengths include its natural attractions, while challenges revolve around infrastructure limitations.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Research limitations/implications</jats:title><jats:p>The study is limited to the Şile district and may not be generalizable to other regions. Future research could expand the scope to include comparative studies with other potential smart tourism destinations.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title content-type="abstract-subheading">Originality/value</jats:title><jats:p>This research contributes to the growing body of literature on smart tourism by offering strategic recommendations tailored to the unique context of Şile, a district with significant but underutilized potential.</jats:p></jats:sec>