Security and Sustainability of Tourist Destinations Through Digital Technologies: A Comparative Analysis of Almaty and Belgrade

Yerlan Issakov, Boriša Lečić, Ana Spasojević, Snežana Knežević, Marija Mandarić, Katarina Stojanović, Tamara Gajić and Dragan Vukolić ()
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Yerlan Issakov: Department of Geography and Ecology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Geography, Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, Almaty 050010, Kazakhstan
Boriša Lečić: Faculty of Law and Business Studies Dr Lazar Vrkatić, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
Ana Spasojević: Faculty of Economics, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
Snežana Knežević: Department of Medical Sciences, Academy of Applied Studies Polytechnic, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Marija Mandarić: Faculty of Hotel Management and Tourism, University of Kragujevac, 36210 Vrnjacka Banja, Serbia
Katarina Stojanović: Faculty of Contemporary Arts, University Business Academy, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Tamara Gajić: Geographical Institute Jovan Cvijic, Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Dragan Vukolić: Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management, University of Business Studies, 78000 Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 20, 1-26

Abstract: Contemporary digital technologies have become key instruments in enhancing the security and sustainability of tourist destinations. This study explores the role of digital solutions such as smart surveillance systems, mobile applications, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT) in strengthening tourist safety and supporting long-term sustainable development. The theoretical framework is based on the Norm Activation Model (NAM), employing the constructs of Awareness of Consequences, Ascription of Responsibility, Personal Norms, and Behavioral Intention, expanded by the construct of Sustainability Outcomes. This research was conducted as a comparative case study of Almaty (Kazakhstan) and Belgrade (Serbia), using a structured questionnaire and quantitative analysis. The findings indicate that tourists’ perceptions of security, mediated by digital technologies, significantly shape their behavioural intentions and contribute to sustainable destination outcomes. The study provides theoretical implications for the advancement of the NAM in tourism, as well as practical guidelines for destination managers in developing a safe and sustainable environment.

Keywords: digital technologies; tourist security; sustainability; Norm Activation Model (NAM); Almaty; Belgrade (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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