Mapping the transformative impact of technology on experiential tourism: a systematic literature review

Purpose This study conducted a detailed systematic review of experiential tourism literature, specifically focusing on smart tourism technologies. It explores how these technologies not only transform the overall tourist experience but also contribute to tourism development. In this study, we aimed to identify evolving research areas and past trends, and propose new topics for future investigation. Design/methodology/approach A mixed approach is used in this study. It employs a systematic literature review, utilizing bibliometric (quantitative) and content analysis (qualitative) methods to examine the existing literature on experiential tourism with a focus on smart tourism technologies. This review synthesizes the findings related to the integration of technology in tourism and its implications. Findings This study reveals that smart tourism technologies significantly enhance experiential tourism by aligning with customer relationship management practices and fostering sustainable tourism development. These findings underscore the importance of technology in creating personalized and meaningful tourist experiences. As technology continues to advance, its impact on travel and tourist behavior is expected to grow significantly in the future. Therefore, tourism stakeholders must be proactive in adopting new technologies and focusing on developing human-centric innovations to ensure positive outcomes. Originality/value This study fills a critical gap in the literature by systematically exploring the intersection of smart tourism technologies and experiential tourism. Based on the findings of the cluster analysis, we also propose a conceptual framework for tourism stakeholders to understand the integration of technology-enabled tourism products and services to enhance the tourist experience. The noteworthy finding of our study reveals that the relationship between smart technologies and the tourist experience is twofold. On the one hand, the integration of technology into tourism, with features such as accessibility, interactivity, informativeness, personalization, and security, has been shown to create unique and memorable experiences for travelers. Smart tourism technology, which enhances the overall tourist experience, has emerged as a significant driver of tourism development, contributing to destination competitiveness.