Global influences of digital transformation on behavioral factors in tourism: a systematic literature review

This systematic literature review (SLR) synthesizes empirical insights on how AI, VR, AR, and blockchain reshape tourist behavior through theoretical, technological, cultural, and policy perspectives. Using PRISMA-guided methodologies, we analyze 117 peer-reviewed studies (2019.12–2025.2) across glo...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Yuan Zhang, Árpád Papp-Váry, Zoltán Szabó
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2025-07-01
Series:Cogent Business & Management
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Online Access:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/23311975.2025.2536101
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Summary:This systematic literature review (SLR) synthesizes empirical insights on how AI, VR, AR, and blockchain reshape tourist behavior through theoretical, technological, cultural, and policy perspectives. Using PRISMA-guided methodologies, we analyze 117 peer-reviewed studies (2019.12–2025.2) across global contexts to address five key research questions. Findings reveal: (1) Hybrid frameworks dominate digital adoption research but ignore emotional and cultural factors; (2) Integrating AI, AR, and blockchain boosts satisfaction but overwhelms users and raises privacy worries; (3) Cultural contingencies—collectivism, uncertainty avoidance, and power distance—significantly mediate risk perception and institutional trust in technology adoption; (4) Behavioral adaptation trajectories show generational divides in algorithmic reliance and transparency expectations; (5) Policy integration mechanisms, including government-led digital infrastructure, GDPR-aligned regulations, and public-private partnerships, strengthen destination resilience but remain contingent on regional capacity and cultural alignment. To bridge these insights, we introduce the TECH-Trust Model, integrating technological affordances, trust architectures, and adaptive governance to foster culturally intelligent tourism ecosystems. This study advances digital tourism scholarship by reconciling fragmented theoretical paradigms and offering evidence-based strategies for ethical, sustainable technology deployment across heterogeneous markets.
ISSN:2331-1975