The Future of Wearable Devices on Site: A Scenario Technique Approach

This study is the first of its kind to apply the scenario technique approach to explore the future of wearable technologies in tourism. Focus groups were conducted to gain an understanding of the core factors that will determine the future use of wearable devices in an on-site tourism context. Software, Hardware, Network & Infrastructure, Comfort & Embodiment, Functions & Usages, Reliability and Third Party Access were identified as the most influential factors. Their future development will determine how tourists will employ wearable devices in their tourism experiences. The proposed future scenarios could serve as guidance for decision-makers in the organisational and destination management context. This research contributes to the theory on technology-mediated experiences in tourism and addresses the gap in literature regarding the tourist experience on-site whilst using wearable technology.