Advancements in Digital Information Retrieval Systems and Their Impact on Tourist Knowledge Access and Cultural Destination Experience

Abstract

The high pace of development of digital information retrieval systems has changed the manner in which tourists gather and decipher their information in cultural destinations. This paper discusses how the advanced retrieval technologies (such as the personalization algorithm, semantic search feature, the interface in multiple languages, and the AI-based recommendation system) affect tourist knowledge access and experience of the cultural venue. This was based on the Technology Acceptance Theory and Experience Economy Theory and a conceptual model was generated which incorporates a relationship between system quality and personalization with knowledge acquisition, cultural engagement, destination satisfaction, and revisit intention. The samples size was 312 domestic and international tourists who used the digital information platforms when visiting cultural heritage sites. The structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to test the relationships that were hypothesised. The results indicate that perceived knowledge access is greatly enhanced by the quality of a system, as well as personalization. In its turn, knowledge access positively impacts cultural engagement and total destination satisfaction, which in turn has an impact on the strength of revisit intention. The analysis by mediation proves that the relationship between the quality of the system and destination satisfaction partially depends on knowledge acquisition. These findings show that high level retrieval systems provide not just with informational but experience-enhancing facilities in the cultural tourism settings as well. The research adds to the body of knowledge on smart tourism and cultural management because it combines digital information systems and experiential tourism theory. Issues of practical implication to destination management organisations and developers of digital platforms are addressed.