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My heritage in my pocket: mobile device and app use by genealogy tourists

Author

Listed:
  • Heather Kennedy-Eden

    (Indiana University Kokomo)

  • Ulrike Gretzel

    (University of Southern California)

Abstract

In the not-so-distant past, genealogists and family history hobbyists had to lug around heavy boxes, documents, and copious notes and references as they travelled to discover their family roots. Technological advances in mobile devices and applications have created efficiencies and opened paths of exploration that facilitate researching genealogical roots while travelling. This research employs a netnographic approach in studying genealogy blogs, social media, and websites to see how genealogy tourists use mobile devices and apps. Mobile apps used by genealogists are categorized into a taxonomy which shows the plethora of apps and functions that genealogists can rely on before, during and after a trip. The paper then analyzes how smartphone use in general, and mobile app use in particular, affect genealogy tourism. It is found that travelling genealogists use their mobile devices and apps extensively throughout all travel phases to plan and prepare for trips, to conduct and inform their research, and to share their findings. Genealogy tourists also use technology to create and tap into a virtual collective of like-minded others by sharing their knowledge online to help others, acting as a teacher, but at other times may post questions and seek others’ knowledge, as a learner. As such, the study contributes to ongoing efforts to better understand the impact of mobile technologies on travel.

Suggested Citation

  • Heather Kennedy-Eden & Ulrike Gretzel, 2021. "My heritage in my pocket: mobile device and app use by genealogy tourists," Information Technology & Tourism, Springer, vol. 23(3), pages 327-350, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:infott:v:23:y:2021:i:3:d:10.1007_s40558-021-00206-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s40558-021-00206-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Bryce, Derek & Murdy, Samantha & Alexander, Matthew, 2017. "Diaspora, authenticity and the imagined past," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 49-60.
    2. Dimitrios Buhalis & Aditya Amaranggana, 2015. "Smart Tourism Destinations Enhancing Tourism Experience Through Personalisation of Services," Springer Books, in: Iis Tussyadiah & Alessandro Inversini (ed.), Information and Communication Technologies in Tourism 2015, edition 127, pages 377-389, Springer.
    3. repec:dau:papers:123456789/3158 is not listed on IDEAS
    4. Wang, Dan & Xiang, Zheng & Fesenmaier, Daniel R., 2014. "Adapting to the mobile world: A model of smartphone use," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 48(C), pages 11-26.
    5. Chris Gibbs & Ulrike Gretzel & Jesse Saltzman, 2016. "An experience-based taxonomy of branded hotel mobile application features," Information Technology & Tourism, Springer, vol. 16(2), pages 175-199, June.
    6. Josiam, Bharath M. & Frazier, Richard, 2008. "Who am I? Where did I Come from? Where do I go to Find out? Genealogy, the Internet and Tourism," MPRA Paper 25361, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 17 Jun 2008.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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