The Significance of the Relationship Between Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Smart Transportation System Applications for Tourism Activities

Abstract

Social/physical distancing rules that resulted in the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have caused restrictions on national and international transportation. Since tourism activities are an industry based on transportation and travel, they have been affected negatively because of COVID-19. It has become necessary to create a contactless environment by leveraging technology to mitigate these negative impacts. smart transportation system (STS) applications have played a crucial role in enabling contact-free travel in providing the continuation of tourism activities in a controlled manner by utilizing information and communication technologies. Therefore, in this study, it was tried to determine whether STS applications are functional in ensuring the contactless transportation required in COVID-19 and in the face of possible future outbreaks. In this study, COVID-19 and STS terms are tried to be defined, and the importance of these two concepts in terms of tourism activities has been discussed considering their cause–effect relationship in line with the purpose of the research. STS applications have been determined to be the most appropriate approach in terms of carrying out controlled tourism activities in accordance with the social/physical distancing rules arising from COVID-19. According to the findings of the research, STS provides an opportunity for people to use contactless payments and purchase tickets online with smart phones. Additively, by controlling passengers’ luggage through mobile applications and reducing the time spent waiting in the lobby, thereby minimizing prolonged interpersonal contact.

Citation

Yılmazer, B., Saraç, Ö., Pamukçu, H. and Batman, O. (2024), "The Significance of the Relationship Between Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Smart Transportation System Applications for Tourism Activities", Sharma, A. and Arora, S. (Ed.) Strategic Tourism Planning for Communities (Building the Future of Tourism), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 81-93. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83549-015-020241007