Analysis of the relationship between the perceived extent of a tourist destination and smartphone use

Abstract

This study considers the relationship between lack of interest (as a leisure constraint), practical travel motivation (desire to visit famous and recommended destinations), and tourists’ perception that a destination has enough to see and experience (perceived extent). We examine the effect of smartphone use at a destination (e.g., to watch movies and to play games) on perceived extent. Using a nature-based destination for context, the analysis reveals that lack of interest lowers the perceived extent of a destination. Smartphone applications reduce this negative impact, thus serving as a negotiation strategy for mitigating tourists’ lack of interest in a destination.