The role of technology in enhancing the tourism experience in smart destinations: a meta-analysis

Abstract

An increasing number of destinations are using smart technology to enrich the travel experience. The aim of this paper is to integrate the findings about how technology affects the tourism experience in smart destinations to provide an overview of its impact. Meta-analysis allows this question to be addressed in a transparent, objective and replicable way by providing unified conclusions based on previous studies that answer similar research questions. In this work, we used a random-effects meta-analysis model estimated with the restricted maximum likelihood method. The results confirm the positive relationship between smart technology and tourism experience, with informativeness and interactivity as the most influential attributes. In addition, there is a negative relationship between security and privacy concerns. This study will help destination managers understand the true scope of smart technology for creating value in the tourism experience and implementing measures to enhance it, thereby increasing visitor satisfaction and earning loyalty.