Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.37741/t.74.4.8
Empowering Aging Travelers in Smart Tourism Destinations in Light of Digital Self-Efficacy: Unpacking GAI-Enabled App Usage Barriers
Kareem M. Selem
; Hotel Management Department, Faculty of Tourism and Hotels, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
*
Mohamed M. Khalil
; Hotel Management Department, Faculty of Tourism and Hotels, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
This study examines the psychological and technological barriers that prevent aging travelers from adopting
generative artificial intelligence (GAI)-enabled apps at tourism destinations. It addresses the growing need
to bridge digital divides among aging travelers in GAI-enabled service contexts. Data were collected from
492 travelers aged 60 and older who used GAI-enabled travel apps during trips in Egypt. Digital self-efficacy
was adversely affected by privacy anxiety, cognitive load, and limited trust. These barriers were significantly
indirectly associated with self-reported app use through digital self-efficacy. The findings provide practical
insights for tourism policymakers on promoting GAI inclusion for aging travelers through self-efficacybuilding
content.
Keywords
aging travelers; digital self-efficacyc; cognitive load; GAI-enabled apps; smart tourism
Hrčak ID:
353278
URI
Publication date:
11.11.2026.
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