Exploring tourists' intention to use smart tourism apps

Tatiana David-Negre; Desiderio Gutiérrez Taño

doi:10.25145/j.pasos.2025.23.006

Authors

Tatiana David-Negre Universidad de La Laguna https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5709-7745
Desiderio Gutiérrez Taño Universidad de La Laguna https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2320-946X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25145/j.pasos.2025.23.006

Keywords:

apps, smart tourism, destination marketing, intention to use, UTAUT2

Abstract

This study investigates tourists’ intention to use apps when travelling and the factors that influence this intention. Although various studies have addressed the adoption of different technologies, how tourists approach technologies featuring smart destination functions has scarcely been studied. To study this area, we used a model based on the theoretical UTAUT2 model to understand the motivations behind the adoption of these apps. An online survey was conducted, resulting in 107 responses. We then tested our model using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The results suggest that outcome expectancy, habit, and facilitating conditions positively influence intention to use tourism apps. However, we were unable to confirm that effort expectancy, social influence, hedonic motivation, and the price/value relationship affect intention to use. At the end of the article, we discuss possible practical implications for developers and tourist destination managers.

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Academic society: PASOS. Revista de Turismo y Patrimonio Cultural
Publisher: Instituto Universitario de Investigación Social y Turismo. Universidad de La Laguna (España) - Instituto Universitario da Maia ISMAI (Portugal)

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