Paper Type

Complete

Abstract

The rapid digitalization of tourism destinations raises important questions about the social determinants of technology acceptance in socio-ecological systems. This study examines whether perceptions of tourism impacts, concern about mass tourism, and the importance attributed to environmental protection predict the acceptance of new technologies in tourism management, and whether these relationships differ between residents and tourists. The study was conducted among 719 participants, comprising two groups: residents of Polish coastal towns, and tourists visiting these destinations. Results indicate that acceptance of new technologies is more strongly associated with perceived positive impacts of tourism and pro-environmental values than with concerns about its negative consequences or respondents’ group status. Findings suggest that both formal and informal environmental education, as well as communication strategies in destination governance, may significantly influence openness to technological innovation. The study contributes to research on ICT-based resilience strategies and education for sustainable development by emphasizing value-based, perception-driven, and educational determinants of technology acceptance, highlighting the need to integrate environmental and digital education in tourism contexts.

Paper Number

1317

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Aug 15th, 12:00 AM

Perceived Impact of Tourism and Acceptance of Smart Technologies in Tourism Management: Evidence from Coastal Destinations

The rapid digitalization of tourism destinations raises important questions about the social determinants of technology acceptance in socio-ecological systems. This study examines whether perceptions of tourism impacts, concern about mass tourism, and the importance attributed to environmental protection predict the acceptance of new technologies in tourism management, and whether these relationships differ between residents and tourists. The study was conducted among 719 participants, comprising two groups: residents of Polish coastal towns, and tourists visiting these destinations. Results indicate that acceptance of new technologies is more strongly associated with perceived positive impacts of tourism and pro-environmental values than with concerns about its negative consequences or respondents’ group status. Findings suggest that both formal and informal environmental education, as well as communication strategies in destination governance, may significantly influence openness to technological innovation. The study contributes to research on ICT-based resilience strategies and education for sustainable development by emphasizing value-based, perception-driven, and educational determinants of technology acceptance, highlighting the need to integrate environmental and digital education in tourism contexts.

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