Tourism Applications Research Articles

A comprehensive science mapping of tourism and hospitality research: Tribes, territories and networks

This study aims to provide a comprehensive bibliographic analysis of the field of tourism and hospitality research by mapping the contributions of researchers, research institutions and evolution of research topics and collaboration networks. Metadata from 27 SSCI and 30 ESCI tourism and hospitality journals were collected from Web of Science. Data analysis was conducted utilizing R package of Bibliometrix and Biblioshiny, adhering to the guidelines of bibliometric analysis. The study identified topics of sustainability and IT technology applications in tourism and hospitality as the recent research fronts. An increasing number of Chinese origin researchers emerged in the author collaboration network, followed by Korean origin researchers. Authors and universities in China started to form distinctive clusters in the author and institutional collaboration networks. The results offer a holistic understanding of the field of tourism and hospitality research, and can help researchers develop personal strategies in research career planning and development.

ARCHITECTURE OF SMART TOURISM APPLICATION: A DEVELOPING COUNTRIES’ PERSPECTIVE A CASE STUDY IN INDONESIA

Beautiful, comfortable, safe, and affordable tourist attractions are every tourist's dream. Meanwhile, tourism in developing countries, the authenticity and uniqueness of nature and culture are the main attractions for tourists. The lack of accurate information that can accommodate tourist locations, local culture, unique tourism, transportation, and accommodation of a tourist attraction for developing countries is an obstacle to the success of tourist visits. The role of technology and society can help the concept of smart tourism governance for developing countries. Therefore, a framework model is needed that can explore the advantages of tourism in developing countries. The success of Smart Tourism cannot be separated from the development of the application architecture that is used as the basis for developing the Smart Tourism system application. So, the purpose of this study is to create an informative, accurate, safe, and easy smart tourism application architecture. This study uses a qualitative method, namely with literature studies and in-depth interviews were also conducted with tourism and informatics experts. The Mc Farlan Matrix used in the Ward and Peppard method and the TOGAF framework are used in the formation of smart tourism applications. The results of this study are The results of this study are in the form of an application architecture that focuses on stakeholder interests in the form of Smart Tourism Service Application Architecture for various Stakeholders which is an integration of smart tourism organization, smart destination, smart service, smart decision, smart share, smart experience, smart recommendation.

Overseas Smart City Short Course of Airlangga and International Community Service: The Role of Science and Technology Towards Smart City

The smart city concept emerged as an alternative solution to overcome the negative impacts of urbanization in big cities, based on the concept of sustainable development. A smart city is a city that can utilize human resources, social capital, and modern telecommunications infrastructure to achieve sustainable economic growth and high quality of life through wise management of resources by the government based on community participation. Jombang has not been managed optimally due to a lack of digital exposure and promotion. Based on these problems, the Faculty of Science and Technology, Airlangga University will organize an international community service program in Jombang to introduce culture and tourism in Jombang to the world through international students and transfer knowledge regarding the application of smart tourism to increase tourism promotion in Jombang. This community service program was carried out together with international students who will first be given an introduction and knowledge of the smart city concept and its application at Universitas Airlangga and the City of Surabaya through a short course. Then the students will be invited to visit the tourist and cultural village in Jombang to transfer knowledge to the local community regarding the application of the smart tourism concept to promote tourism potential in Jombang.

A scoping review of robotic technology in hospitality and tourism

Purpose With the disruptive evolution of artificial intelligence (AI), the roles of robotics in hospitality and tourism are shifting rapidly from automatic to emotional works. Although academics have focused on examining robotic applications in hospitality and tourism, concrete images of the different roles of robots are unclear. Thus, this study aims to systematically aggregate and evaluate existing robotic technology-related studies published in Social Science Citation Index-listed hospitality and tourism journals to link the fragmented knowledge and provide an up-to-date overview of robotic technology in hospitality and tourism. Design/methodology/approach This study retrieved 134 robotic technology-related articles and used descriptive and content analyses to analyze the retrieved papers thoroughly. Findings The top keyword identified was service robot. Robotic technologies are categorized into AI-supplemented, AI-generated, robotic technology anthropomorphism (RTA)-facilitated and RTA-mediated. Research limitations/implications Future studies can consider exploring service robots further from the perspectives of suppliers in tourism. A more comprehensive categorization of robotic technologies is also recommended. Originality/value This study contributes to the robotic research realm by providing a holistic view of robotic applications in hospitality and tourism research. This study also attempts to pin down the potential research directions to guide researchers in expanding future studies.

Spatial Analysis of Academic Competence Level of Countries Regarding Tourism - Recreation Planning and Geographical Information Systems Relationship

This study examines the spatial relationship between tourism and recreation planning and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) while evaluating academic competence across different countries. Using a systematic literature review, original research papers published after 2010 with at least three citations were analyzed. The data were organized based on the countries of publication and authorship, creating a spatial database that enabled the analysis of the most cited publications on the tourism planning and GIS relationship. The data were then transferred into a GIS environment to produce maps to visualize the geographical distribution of GIS applications in tourism and recreation planning. The study's findings highlight that GIS is most effectively used as a strategic tool in tourism planning in certain countries, revealing a concentration of expertise in these regions. The results emphasize the significance of GIS technology in the field and offer strategic recommendations for its broader use. This research not only provides a valuable foundation for future studies on integrating GIS in tourism and recreation planning but also highlights its potential to enhance planning processes in the future.

Promoting Lusi Island Tourism Through an Augmented Reality Application

Background: The integration of augmented reality (AR) in tourism offers innovative enhancements to visitor experiences. Specific Background: This study aims to develop a research framework for AR-based tourism, focusing on effective tools for user interaction with 3D models. Knowledge Gap: There is a lack of systematic evaluation methods for assessing AR applications in tourism. Aims: The objective is to design and test an AR application that accurately displays 3D models to engage visitors. Results: Analysis shows that all tested 3D objects render correctly with specific markers, and functionality is confirmed across various menus. Tracking capabilities demonstrate effective visibility across multiple distances and lighting conditions, though limitations exist in low-light settings. Novelty: This research presents a structured approach to AR tourism development, highlighting the importance of system performance analysis. Implications: Findings enhance the understanding of AR's role in tourism and stress the need for rigorous testing in application design, informing future innovations in the field. Highlights : Effective tools enhance visitor interaction with AR applications. Rigorous testing ensures accurate rendering of 3D objects. Performance evaluation identifies limitations in varying conditions. Keywords: Augmented Reality, Tourism, 3D Models, System Analysis, User Engagement

Multimodal Hong Kong: Documenting soundscape and smellscape at places of intangible cultural heritage

The sensory cultural heritage creates identity and cohesion in a community. The Multimodal Hong Kong (MMHK) started in January 2023 and aims to build a database of soundscape and smellscape at culturally significant sites. This paper will introduce the project and its objectives, present results from a pilot survey, and describe the development of a field work methodology. Data collection methods include Ambisonics audio, 360 video, and 'smellprints', together with on-site observations based on the Soundscape Indices survey protocol and the Dravnieks-McGinley-Zarzo 'smell atlas'. Currently having data from 20 sites, MMHK aims to reach 100 within the project's duration, as well as conduct outreach such as sensory walks, interviews, and workshops with stakeholders. The overall goal is to produce in-depth knowledge of how information, via multiple sensory modalities, constitute the perceived quality of places, and thence, how an intangible cultural heritage emerges in Hong Kong. This knowledge will enable future research and applications in urban spatial design, experiencescape, and virtual tourism.

THE IMPACT OF PERSONAL INNOVATIVENESS ON THE BEHAVIORAL INTENTION TO USING TOURISM MOBILE APPLICATIONS OF GENERATION Z IN HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM

The advancement of technology has significantly transformed various activities in human life, including tourism. Mobile technology, especially mobile applications, has become an integral part of users’ travel experiences. Generation Z, with their natural and proficient access to technology, has become one of the primary user groups of mobile applications in the tourism industry. Recognizing the lack of research on the intention to use mobile applications in tourism, particularly of Generation Z in Vietnam, a generation expected to reshape the tourism industry in the future, this study aims to investigate how personal innovativeness influences the intention to use mobile applications in tourism among Generation Z and mediation of attitudes. To test the proposed hypotheses, the study conducted an online survey using Google Forms targeting Generation Z individuals living and working in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. A total of 318 participants took part in the survey. The collected data were analyzed using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method. Based on the research findings, the study proposed potential solutions for mobile application development businesses, destination management organizations, tourism businesses to enhance the intention to use mobile applications in tourism among Generation Z in Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam as a whole.

Technological, organisational and environmental drivers of sustainability in hotels

Purpose: This study aims to analyse the position of 155 hotel managers in Africa and Asia about implementing sustainability practices (SP) focussing their competitive advantage (CA). Sustainability practices and CA are explained through the technology-organisation-environment (TOE) framework within the hospitality, tourism and travel industries.Design/methodology/approach: The Structural Equation Model based on Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) methodology was applied to hotels in African countries, including South Africa, as well as Asia. Six variables were analysed in order to study the impact of SP in CA.Findings/results: Findings imply that technological advancements, organisational commitments and environmental considerations collectively foster robust SP in emerging economies. The adoption of eco-friendly technologies (TS), the integration of sustainable policies (OS) and adherence to environmental regulations (ES) collectively contribute to the sustainability goals of hotels.Practical implications: The study reveals that hotels in emerging markets should strategically emphasise the TOE framework to enhance SP and CA. Investing in advanced technologies, implementing effective organisational practices and adhering to environmental standards significantly improve sustainability performance.Originality/value: While the TOE model has been extensively studied across various industries, limited research has explored its application in tourism. This study uniquely investigates how SP can enhance CA in the tourism sector through comparative analysis.

PERANCANGAN UI/UX PADA APLIKASI WISATA LOMBOK MENGGUNAKAN METODE USER CENTERED DESIGN

This study investigates the application of User-Centered Design (UCD) principles in the design UI/UX for the mobile tourism application, 'Wisata Lombok.' The research aims to demonstrate how UCD can significantly improve user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) in context-specific applications. The methodology employed a multi-phase approach, including user research, persona development, iterative design. Data was collected through interviews with local and tourists, online surveys with Lombok residents, and on-site observations. This information guided the creation of user personas and informed the application's feature set and design decisions. Key findings reveal that incorporating local cultural elements into the UI design enhanced user engagement. The implementation of features like maps and cultural event calendars. Usability testing was carried out using an online questionnaire using the UEQ method. The UEQ contains 26 questions which structured in the form of a semantic differential, where each word consists of two terms expressing opposite meanings. The form was distributed to 35 respondents. All of the 35 respondents, 16 identified as male and 19 as female. The age distribution indicates that 29 respondents are within the 18-35 years old range, while 6 respondents are within the 35-56 years old. The UEQ result shows that the perspicuity and efficiency scale has the highest values, 2.29 and 1.96, falling within the “Excellent” range, indicating that the respondents didn't find any difficulties in operating the user interface. The attractiveness, dependability, and novelty scale fall within the “above average” value, indicating that the user interface was based on respondent needs. The stimulation scale has the least value 0.44 which fall within “bad” value , which means that the respondents was bored cause the user interface only has a few features.

Research on Indoor Automatic Path Planning Algorithm for Robots

The field of robotics has significantly advanced, especially in indoor autonomous navigation, with applications in households, offices, factories, and tourism. This research focuses on developing and optimizing algorithms for indoor autonomous path planning, aiming to enhance robots' ability to navigate efficiently and safely in various indoor environments. The research adopts a comprehensive methodological approach, beginning with a literature review to understand current state-of-the-art techniques in path planning and obstacle avoidance. Novel algorithms were designed and implemented, focusing on efficiency and real-time performance. These algorithms were tested in simulation environments and validated on actual robotic platforms. Performance metrics such as path efficiency, computational time, and obstacle avoidance success rates were used to assess the algorithms. The study evaluated global path planning algorithms like A* and Dijkstra’s, and local path planning algorithms such as Rapidly-exploring Random Trees (RRT) and Dynamic Window Approach (DWA). A* and Dijkstra's algorithms proved effective for global planning but required optimization for real-time applications. RRT excelled in complex environments but needed improvements for path optimality. DWA provided robust real-time obstacle avoidance. Hybrid approaches combining these algorithms showed enhanced performance, balancing global and local planning strengths. Machine learning techniques further improved adaptability and efficiency. The integration of advanced sensor technologies and accurate map construction methods is crucial for effective indoor navigation. LIDAR, ultrasonic sensors, and depth cameras were key in providing precise environmental perception. Hybrid maps combining grid and topological approaches offered detailed local information and efficient long-distance planning. Optimization techniques like parameter tuning and algorithm fusion, along with machine learning, significantly enhanced algorithm performance. Future research should explore intelligent algorithms, multi-robot collaboration, and human-robot interaction to further advance the field.

Evaluation of Blockchain Technology in the Context of Tourism Sector within the Framework of Diffusion of Innovation Theory: Challenges and Opportunities

Blockchain technology is one of the technologies emphasized both academically and practically due to the possibility of application integration in different fields. The tourism sector has an interest in blockchain technology due to its early and rapid adoption of technology. Today, blockchain technology is mainly used in finance. However, it is also preferred in tourism due to the opportunities it provides in data management, payment systems, identity management and loyalty programs. In this study, a literature review was first conducted to examine the use of blockchain technology in the tourism sector. Then, the first pioneer companies that emerged in the field of tourism were classified. The relationship between blockchain and tourism is evaluated within the scope of institutional analysis. Then, an analysis was carried out within the framework of the diffusion of innovation theory. As a result, it has been determined that blockchain technology is still developing. However, the promising and growing number of the first sectoral solutions increases the likelihood of acceptance. There is a lack of knowledge about blockchain among industry players and consumers. Integration of blockchain technology with tourism applications is ongoing, but no generally accepted standard has emerged. It has been determined that there are deficiencies regarding local and global legal regulations.

The potential significance of geographic information systems (GISs) and remote sensing (RS) in sustainable tourism and decent community involvement in African-rural neighborhoods

PurposeThis study looked at the potential applications of geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing (RS) for inclusive community development and participation, sustainable tourism, and rural community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) in sub-Saharan Africa and other rural areas worldwide.Design/methodology/approachTo evaluate resource management systems for rural tourism and the environment in Africa and abroad. The study makes use of reviews of relevant literature and documents, and while linking applications for sustainable tourism and local community empowerment with CBNRM and GIS, vital content was manually analyzed.FindingsThe study shows a potential affinity between agricultural and tourism businesses that GIS in line with the CBNRM conception can strengthen. In many rural and underdeveloped regions of the continent, this highlights the need for a credible and varied tourism strategy to develop and empower the relevant communities.Originality/valueMost agricultural communities in Africa are located in low-income regions. Such areas are rich in natural wildlife and have popular tourist destinations. A mix of regional community development initiatives can be built using GIS, sustainable tourism, CBNRM, and community-based tourism (CBT).

Driving digital transformation and business model innovation in tourism through innovation labs: An empirical study

In the rapidly changing digital landscape, Innovation Labs have become pivotal agents of transformation, yet their application in tourism remains underexplored. This study addresses this gap through multiple case studies and an action research project focused on tourism. The findings reveal that Innovation Labs significantly boost digital innovation capacity, digital transformation, and business model innovation within tourism organizations. The proposed management framework offers practical guidance for effective implementation, emphasizing their potential to democratize technology and innovation, particularly for SMEs. These conclusions underscore the role of Innovation Labs as key drivers of innovation, providing valuable insights for both academics and practitioners.

Promoting the "Cempaka Tegal Slumpring Market" Tourism Through E-Tourism : Benchmarking Approach

This community service aims to socialize the concept of digital promotion to introduce the Cempaka Tegal tourist village to the community in a wider area, both locally, nationally and internationally. The method of implementing this service uses socialization and benchmarking. Data collection was carried out through observation and interviews which were then analyzed descriptively. The results of this activity showed that the practice of implementing digital promotion of tourist attractions in the Samara province of Moscow, Russia can be applied to introduce Cempaka Tegal Slumpring Market Tourism to all corners of the world. The digital promotional practices include creating official websites for tourist attractions, utilizing social media such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, utilizing virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) technology, collaborating with influencers and travel bloggers, optimizing search engines (SEO) and provide a tourist village tourism application. Some of these promotional media have now been implemented, such as Facebook (Desa Wisata Cempaka, n.d.), Instagram (instagram.com/explore/locations/351643408686716/), collaboration with travel bloggers (Agus Fadilah, n.d.).

Tourism Application Development with a Recommendation System based on Fuzzy Logic

The article addresses issues related to the breadth and multifaceted aspects of the tourism industry. It discusses the practical benefits of using recommendation systems based on mobile devices. Mobile applications with recom­mendation systems play an important role in the tourism planning process, offering users personalized suggestions that enhance their travel experience. The main focus of this work is on the use of fuzzy logic as the basis for the rec­ommendation system, which allows for a more flexible and accurate suggestion mechanism that takes into account uncertainties and the diversity of user preferences. The methodology proposed by the authors is based on applying a fuzzy content model to the described problems as an effective extension of the collaborative model. The article describes a method for implementing the recommendation system algorithm, lists the technical tools used to imple­ment the application, presents an activity diagram of the working application, describes the process of searching, preparing, and annotating data used in the working application. The presented software and methodological tools help to solve problems associated with the clear categorization of tourist objects within traditional types of tourism, arising from the broad classification of tourist objects, thereby improving the quality of the tourist experience.

LEVERAGING WEB SCRAPING TO GATHER TOURISM INFORMATION DATA

The influence of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) on both individuals' daily lives and the economy is of significant importance. In this context, the tourism industry plays a crucial role, and it is essential to recognise the contributions of tourists in terms of sharing their experiences through tourism websites. Analysing this data is key to improving future tourists' experiences. Therefore, the objective of this study is to employ web scraping to gather data on places of interest (POI) and user attributes, specifically in the state of Melaka via the TripAdvisor website. Melaka is chosen as it is one of the places recognised by the United Nations, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The study focuses on the 200 POI locations (UNESCO) Map, encompassing both Melaka's core and buffer zones. These POIs are categorised into four heritage types: built heritage, natural heritage, personal heritage, and living heritage, with some belonging to more than one category. For the data collection process, this study utilised the TripAdvisor website and extracted a total of 14 attributes. Specifically, 27282 user data entries were collected from 163 POIs in the core zone area, and 8305 data entries from 37 POIs in the buffer zone area. The data is managed and stored in various formats, including CSV, JSON, and Excel files in the repository. The data helps in the development of a tourism application. Furthermore, the tourism industry can benefit from this study by enhancing their services and conserving the cultural heritage.

Enhancing Sustainability in Health Tourism through an Ontology-Based Booking Application for Personalized Packages

Currently, health tourists primarily rely on independent facilitators to manage and book their medical appointments and vacation plans. There is a notable absence of dedicated booking applications for health tourism packages. This paper proposes HealthTourismHub, an application designed to provide personalized packages that include medical appointments, accommodation options, and recommended tourism activities. It also serves as a platform for medical experts and accommodation providers, allowing health tourists to discover and connect with them, promoting local resources, and contributing to the sustainable growth of health tourism destinations. To incorporate personalization, HealthTourismHub uses an ontology that organizes medical and tourism data, along with a reasoner that generates new knowledge. This approach enables the application to offer customized packages and identify the most suitable providers for each user. Providers are strategically paired and located in close proximity, encouraging shorter travel distances and more efficient travel planning, with the package also including personalized tourism recommendations that benefit the local economy and contribute to a conscious tourism industry. A survey was conducted to assess the usability of the application and general perspectives towards health tourism, including motivations, concerns, and preferences. The results revealed an above-average SUS score, indicating that users found the application user-friendly and effective. Some areas for improvement were identified, such as error handling and additional functionalities. Nonetheless, HealthTourismHub shows great potential as a pioneer in the field of sustainable health tourism applications.

Design of Immersive VR Tourism Analysis Model Based on Fuzzy Logic Algorithm

Immersive virtual reality (VR) is a technology that transports users into fully immersive digital environments, often through the use of specialized headsets and sensory equipment. A three-dimensional environment, immersive VR offers users an unparalleled sense of presence and interaction, enabling them to explore and interact with virtual worlds as if they were physically present. This paper develops an effective immersive Virtual Reality (VR) model for tourism. The proposed model uses the fuzzy-based logic rules for tourism in VR for the classification with the Backpropagation Feedforward Neural Network (BFNN). Through the developed model efficacy of BFNN-based algorithms in accurately classifying diverse virtual environments and detecting edges with precision. The analysis of the results stated that the through BFNN model MSE and PSNR value is achieved with the value of 0.007 and 28.9 respectively. With the developed model significant classification is achieved with the BFNN model value for the exploration, cultural heritage, adventure, Urban exploration, and Relaxation. Additionally, comparative analyses demonstrate the superiority of BFNNs over alternative classification models, underscoring their effectiveness in accurately categorizing immersive tourism experiences. These findings stated that the advancement of immersive VR technology also offers practical insights for optimizing computational algorithms in immersive tourism applications. The potential of BFNNs redefine the landscape of immersive VR tourism, delivering captivating and personalized virtual experiences that elevate user engagement and satisfaction to unprecedented levels.

A Personalized Recommendation Algorithm for Tourist Attractions Using User Behavior Data

With the widespread application of 5G and cloud computing technologies, smart tourism has become a hotspot and development trend in the tourism industry. This paper develops a cloud-based intelligent tourism application for the Android platform, innovatively integrating edge computing technology to achieve faster data processing speeds and lower latency, providing users with instant travel information and services. The application adopts a personalized recommendation algorithm to intelligently recommend tourist attractions and routes based on user behavior and preferences, and introduces a geo-tagged social function, allowing users to share travel experiences and reviews, enhancing user interaction and community sense. Furthermore, the application incorporates augmented reality (AR) technology, providing virtual tour guide services through the mobile camera, bringing users an immersive travel guide experience. This paper details the design architecture, key technology implementation, and expected effects of this intelligent tourism application, aiming to enhance the tourism experience while promoting the digital transformation and development of the tourism industry through technological innovation.