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Barriers to smart tourism for the elderly: a qualitative exploration of challenges and needs

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  • Hanh Thi Van Nguyen

Abstract

PurposeAs the global population continues to age, the smart tourism industry faces the challenge of effectively catering to older adults. However, current smart tourism systems are often designed for tech-savvy users, potentially excluding older adults from digitized travel experiences. Through in-depth interviews with 20 older adults in Vietnam, this study aims to explore the multidimensional barriers they encounter when interacting with smart tourism services. The findings reveal that these barriers are not just about technical skills but also include psychological issues like fear and overwhelm, as well as unaccommodating interface design. Despite this, older adults demonstrate agency by using adaptive strategies such as delegating tasks to family members or seeking in-person support from staff. This research advocates for an inclusive smart tourism model that incorporates age-friendly design, human-assisted support systems and capacity-building programs to empower seniors as active participants in the evolving tourism landscape.

Suggested Citation

  • Hanh Thi Van Nguyen, 2026. "Barriers to smart tourism for the elderly: a qualitative exploration of challenges and needs," Tourism Critiques, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 7(1), pages 2-17, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:eme:trcpps:trc-08-2025-0043
    DOI: 10.1108/TRC-08-2025-0043
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