In the context of the digital transformation, the concept of destination has changed considerably in recent times. Information and communication technologies (ICT) have changed the traditional framework of tourism and introduced the concept of "smartness" in destinations. With the research project "STIBS - Smart Tourism in Bavarian Cities", the Location Development Group at the University of Augsburg aims to make an empirically based contribution to current and planned smart tourism activities in Bavarian cities. The project therefore focuses on the core question: How "smart" is Bavarian city tourism?

In order to adequately answer the research question, the technologies used and the actors involved will be recorded in five selected cities, similarities and differences will be identified, and the status of implementation and further planning will be evaluated and contrasted internationally. From this, concrete recommendations for action are derived for Bavarian practice in administration and business. Since smart technologies are also used in tourism to avoid crowding effects (excessive accumulation of people in one place), the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic on the development of appropriate hardware and software systems in city tourism will also be examined.