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The pandemic of loneliness: designing smart tourism for combating loneliness

Author

Listed:
  • Uglješa Stankov

    (Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad)

  • Ulrike Gretzel

    (USC Center for Public Relations, University of Southern California)

  • Miroslav D. Vujičić

    (Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad)

  • Vanja Pavluković

    (Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad)

  • Tamara Jovanović

    (Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad)

  • Milica Solarević

    (Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad)

  • Marija Cimbaljević

    (Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad)

Abstract

Many technologically driven societies currently experience a “pandemic of loneliness“. The purpose of this viewpoint paper is to conceptualize loneliness as a persistent and widespread issue among consumers that has been amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic and increasingly spills over into the travel and tourism domain. This issue creates many challenges for smart tourism design as it implies changed consumer perspectives on smart tourism and needs for smart tourist experiences. This viewpoint paper is based on a review of relevant academic literature and online resources regarding the issue of loneliness, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and potential solutions in smart tourism settings. Loneliness has been completely overlooked by the smart tourism research agenda despite its tremendous implications for engagement, value co-creation, and the need for experience enhancement. This viewpoint paper proposes a framework for designing a loneliness-sensitive smart tourism ecosystem (LoSSTE). The purpose of this paper is to start a debate on how to mobilize smart tourism research for combating loneliness in the post-pandemic era and to outline areas for further research.

Suggested Citation

  • Uglješa Stankov & Ulrike Gretzel & Miroslav D. Vujičić & Vanja Pavluković & Tamara Jovanović & Milica Solarević & Marija Cimbaljević, 2022. "The pandemic of loneliness: designing smart tourism for combating loneliness," Information Technology & Tourism, Springer, vol. 24(4), pages 439-455, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:infott:v:24:y:2022:i:4:d:10.1007_s40558-022-00234-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s40558-022-00234-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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