Travel app adoption intentions: Extending the technology acceptance model with trust

The adoption of travel applications has significantly transformed the tourism industry by enhancing accessibility, convenience, and efficiency in trip planning. However, understanding the factors that drive international tourists’ intentions to adopt travel apps remains crucial, particularly in emerging tourism markets like Algeria. This study extends the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) by incorporating trust to investigate its role in shaping tourists’ adoption intentions. Data were collected from 168 international tourists, using a structured questionnaire. The research employed multiple linear regression to analyze the relationships between perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude, and trust in predicting adoption intention. The findings revealed that all four hypothesized relationships were supported, indicating that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude, and trust positively influence tourists’ intentions to adopt travel applications. The model explained 50.90% of the variance in adoption intention. These findings offer theoretical and practical insights into travel app adoption, with implications for app developers, tourism stakeholders, and policymakers in enhancing digital tourism services in Algeria.

1 Introduction

The rapid digital transformation of the tourism industry has significantly reshaped how travelers plan, book, and experience their trips (Mishra et al. 2023). Mobile travel applications (apps) have emerged as essential tools that enhance convenience, provide personalized services, and improve overall travel experiences (Albayrak et al. 2023; Agag and El-Masry 2016; Ho et al. 2021). Chen and Tsai (2019) noted that the capabilities of mobile apps have significantly evolved over time, enabling users to quickly access travel information and share their experiences in real time. Choi et al. (2023) highlighted that mobile apps play a crucial role in influencing travelers’ decision-making and shaping their overall experiences. Hassan et al. (2024) noted that with the advancement of new technologies, „travel-based organizations worldwide“ are increasingly adopting user-friendly mobile travel apps to offer tourists a wide range of service benefits. Wu and Lee (2017) demonstrated that an increase in the information quality of mobile travel apps leads to greater user satisfaction and higher performance expectancy. As mobile technology continues to evolve, understanding the key factors influencing tourists’ intentions to adopt travel apps remains a critical area of research.
Albayrak et al. (2023) highlight a lack of studies exploring user behaviors on travel-related mobile applications. Previous research has widely employed the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) (Davis 1989), as a foundational framework for studying user adoption of technology (Gelibolu 2024). For instance, Albayrak et al. (2023) explored the factors influencing mobile app usage intention by integrating the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) framework with TAM to examine travel booking behavior among mobile application users. Similarly, Hassan et al. (2024) combined TAM with trust and social cognitive theory to investigate the key determinants of adoption intention and usage behavior in mobile travel apps. Kim et al. (2023) expanded TAM by incorporating trust and service quality factors to analyze user acceptance of urban air mobility. Wang et al. (2021) integrated TAM with trust and perceived risk to understand consumer adoption of smart transportation services. Likewise, Tiwari et al. (2024) applied both TAM and the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory to explore factors influencing travel app usage intentions.
TAM posits that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use significantly influence individuals’ behavioral intentions toward technology adoption (Gelibolu 2024). In the context of travel apps, perceived usefulness refers to the extent to which users believe that the application enhances their travel planning and experience, while perceived ease of use reflects the degree to which users perceive the app as user-friendly (Chen and Tsai 2019; Huang et al. 2019). Despite the extensive application of TAM, scholars argue that trust plays a crucial role in technology adoption, particularly in online environments where security concerns and information privacy are paramount (An et al. 2023; Liu et al. 2023; Medeiros et al. 2024; Mishra et al. 2023; Su et al. 2022). Gefen et al. (2003) emphasize that consumer trust holds equal significance in online commerce as the well-established TAM antecedents „perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use“. Trust in travel apps can be categorized into two dimensions: trust in the service provider and trust in the security of the application. Previous studies indicate that trust significantly influences users’ adoption intentions, especially in the tourism sector where transactions and data security are critical concerns (Choi et al. 2023; Hassan et al. 2024; Hua et al. 2021).
Moreover, prior research highlights that users’ attitudes toward technology serve as a mediating factor between key TAM constructs and behavioral intentions. A positive attitude toward an app increases the likelihood of its adoption (An et al. 2023). However, limited studies have investigated the combined effects of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, trust, and attitude in shaping tourists’ adoption intentions, particularly among international tourists in Algeria.
This study aims to examine the factors influencing international tourists’ intentions to adopt travel applications in Algeria, by extending the TAM with the construct of trust. Given the growing importance of mobile applications in travel experiences, investigating these relationships will provide valuable insights for tourism stakeholders, app developers, and policymakers to enhance digital tourism services in the region. The study employs a quantitative research approach, surveying 168 international tourists who visited Algeria between November and December 2024. The findings will contribute to the literature on technology adoption in tourism by integrating TAM with trust, addressing a significant research gap in the context of travel app usage in North Africa.

2 Literature review and hypotheses development

2.1 The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and travel app adoption

The TAM has been widely used to explore the adoption of various technologies, particularly in the tourism sector (Davis 1989). According to TAM, two primary factors – „perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use“ – directly influence an individual’s intention to use a technology (Gelibolu 2024; Mechta et al. 2024). Hassan et al. (2024) found that the intention to use mobile travel apps is a significant predictor of young consumers’ mobile travel app usage behavior. In our paper, perceived usefulness refers to the extent to which a user believes that using an application enhances their travel experience, while perceived ease of use refers to the degree to which a user perceives an application to be effortless to use (Assaker 2020).
Several studies have confirmed the relevance of TAM in explaining travel app adoption. For example, Albayrak et al. (2023) and Huang et al. (2019) found that „perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use“ significantly predicted travelers’ intentions to use mobile travel applications. Similarly, Hua et al. (2021) emphasized the importance of these constructs in the adoption of tourism apps. In the context of Algeria, where technological infrastructure is still developing, the influence of „perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use“ may be particularly pronounced, shaping the adoption behavior of international tourists.

2.2 The role of trust in travel app adoption

Trust is a crucial factor in digital service adoption, particularly in industries where transactions involve sensitive information, such as financial details and personal data (Hua et al. 2021; Kim 2016; Liu et al. 2023; Mishra et al. 2023; Su et al. 2022; Wu and Lee 2017). In the travel app context, trust encompasses trust in the service provider, the security of user data, and the reliability of transactions (Medeiros et al. 2024). Hua et al. (2021) propose that trust in technology is a crucial element that should be extensively considered when examining technology adoption behaviors. Gefen et al. (2003) demonstrated that online trust is established through several key factors: (1) the perception that the vendor has no incentive to act dishonestly, (2) confidence in the presence of security measures within the website, (3) a familiar and conventional interface, and (4) an overall user-friendly design.
Previous research has found that trust directly influences users’ willingness to engage with mobile travel applications (Hassan et al. 2024; Lim et al. 2022; Medeiros et al. 2024). Agag and El-Masry (2016), drawing on the Innovation Diffusion Theory (IDT) and the TAM, investigate the key factors shaping customers’ intentions to engage in online travel communities. Their results indicate that integrating IDT, TAM, and trust provides a robust framework for understanding consumers’ engagement in these platforms. According to Albayrak et al. (2023), trust in offline brands not only directly impacts the intention to use a mobile application but also plays a moderating role in shaping this intention. Hassan et al. (2024) integrated trust with TAM and found that it significantly impacts both „perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use“, indicating that trust in an app enhances the intention to use mobile travel apps. Choi et al. (2023) also emphasized that security concerns have a significant impact on travelers’ intention to continue using travel apps. Consequently, this study found that trust plays a crucial role in influencing travelers’ continued app usage.

2.3 Hypotheses development

2.3.1 Perceived usefulness and travel app adoption intentions

Davis (1989, p. 320) defined perceived usefulness as „the degree to which a person believes that using a particular system would enhance his or her job performance“. Tiwari et al. (2024) identified relative advantage and compatibility as essential factors that contribute to perceived usefulness, categorizing them as must-have and should-have attributes. Chen and Tsai (2019) highlighted that as smartphones’ positioning systems enable more personalized information and services, the trend is shifting toward location-based services, enhancing app functionality to better meet users’ needs. Chen and Tsai (2019) found that „information quality and perceived convenience“ influence perceived usefulness. In the travel context, perceived usefulness plays a crucial role in shaping tourists’ adoption of mobile applications (Albayrak et al. 2023; Chen and Tsai 2019; Liu et al. 2023; Tiwari et al. 2024). Studies have shown that when users perceive travel apps as beneficial, providing relevant travel information, efficient booking processes, and convenience, they are more likely to adopt them (Ho et al. 2021). Agag and El-Masry (2016) found that perceived usefulness has a positive impact on consumer trust. Assaker (2020) found that perceived usefulness was the strongest predictor of usage intention toward user-generated content among males but was not significant for females. Kim et al. (2019) found that perceived usefulness affects both perceived value and satisfaction, which, in turn, influence users’ continued intention to use „accommodation apps“.
Additionally, perceived usefulness has been identified as a key determinant of technology adoption across various digital services, including tourism applications (An et al. 2023; Huang et al. 2019; Kim 2016). Travel apps offer features such as real-time itinerary updates, location-based services, and secure payment options, increasing their perceived usefulness among tourists. Hence, we propose the following hypothesis:
H1: Perceived usefulness positively influences tourists’ intentions to adopt travel applications.

2.3.2 Perceived ease of use and travel app adoption intentions

Perceived ease of use is described as „the degree to which a person believes that using a particular system would be free of effort“ (Davis 1989, p. 320). Perceived ease of use is a fundamental component of TAM, influencing users’ behavioral intentions to adopt technology (Hassan et al. 2024; Mechta et al. 2024). Tiwari et al. (2024) identified „complexity and trialability“ as key factors influencing perceived ease of use, classifying them as must-have and should-have elements. An et al. (2023) discovered that personal innovativeness positively impacts perceived ease of use. Agag and El-Masry (2016) found that perceived ease of use positively impacts perceived usefulness. Assaker (2020) found that perceived ease of use was the most influential factor in usage among females and older travelers, whereas it had no significant effect on males and younger travelers. Research in mobile tourism applications suggests that if users perceive an app as easy to navigate, with intuitive interfaces and seamless usability, they are more likely to use it (Albayrak et al. 2023; Tiwari et al. 2024). Hassan et al. (2024) found that perceived ease of use is a key determinant of the intention to use travel booking apps. Hua et al. (2021) discovered that trust plays an intermediary role in linking perceived ease of technology use with the intention to adopt it. Huang et al. (2019) demonstrate that „perceived ease of use“ positively influences hotel consumers’ experiences with mobile applications.
Furthermore, previous studies indicate that perceived ease of use not only directly affects adoption intentions but also enhances perceived usefulness, as users who find an app easy to use are more likely to perceive it as useful (Chen and Tsai 2019). However, Kim (2016) observed that perceived ease of use had no significant direct impact on the intention to adopt the hotel tablet app. Given these insights, we hypothesize:
H2: Perceived ease of use positively influences tourists’ intentions to adopt travel applications.

2.3.3 Attitudes and travel app adoption intentions

Attitude refers to an individual’s overall evaluation of using a particular technology (Mechta et al. 2024). In the context of travel applications, a positive attitude towards technology enhances adoption intentions. Tourists with favorable attitudes towards mobile travel apps are more likely to use them for trip planning, bookings, and navigation. Agag and El-Masry (2016) discovered that perceived relative advantages, compatibility, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness positively impact consumers’ attitudes toward online travel communities. Furthermore, they found that attitude significantly influences both positive word-of-mouth (WOM) and the intention to purchase travel online. Mechta et al. (2024) found that positive attitudes have a significant impact on customers’ intentions to adopt digital health services. Attitudes toward travel apps can be shaped by various factors, including design aesthetics, ease of use, and perceived usefulness. Studies suggest that when users perceive travel apps as reliable, engaging, and beneficial, they develop stronger adoption intentions (Lim et al. 2022). Based on this, we propose:
H3: Attitudes positively influence tourists’ intentions to adopt travel applications.

2.3.4 Trust and travel app adoption intentions

Trust is a crucial factor in technology adoption, particularly in digital travel services where security and data privacy are major concerns (Choi et al. 2023; Wu and Lee 2017). Tourists are more likely to adopt travel applications when they trust the app provider, the accuracy of the information, and the security of transactions (Albayrak et al. 2023). Agag and El-Masry (2016) found that trust positively influences both attitude and the intention to purchase travel online. An et al. (2023) found that trust positively influences both perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. Cheng et al. (2020) explored the factors influencing tourists’ use of online trip planning services. Their findings indicate that social influence enhances tourists’ trust in these services. Choi et al. (2023) discovered that security and trust play a crucial role in influencing travelers’ intention to continue using travel apps. Hassan et al. (2024) found that trust is a significant predictor of the intention to use travel booking apps. Kim (2016) discovered that when customers „perceive a hotel tablet app“ as trustworthy, they are more likely to adopt it. Wu and Lee (2017) highlighted that initial trust plays a crucial role in encouraging users to develop an intention to use mobile travel apps. Su et al. (2022) identified customer trust as a mediating factor in the relationship between TAM variables and customer loyalty. Prior research has highlighted the role of trust in shaping user behaviors in online travel platforms (Liu et al. 2023; Medeiros et al. 2024; Mishra et al. 2023). Trust influences tourists’ willingness to rely on mobile apps for travel planning, bookings, and navigation (Hua et al. 2021). Given the importance of trust in reducing perceived risks, we hypothesize:
H4: Trust positively influences tourists’ intentions to adopt travel applications.

By testing these relationships, the study not only confirms the applicability of TAM in the tourism technology domain but also contributes to theory development by highlighting the role of trust in digital tourism adoption.

3 Methods

A quantitative research design was employed using a structured questionnaire administered to 168 international tourists. The data were analyzed using multiple linear regression to test the hypothesized relationships between perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude, trust, and adoption intention.

3.1 Participants and procedure

A total of 168 international tourists participated in this study. Participants were approached at various travel-related locations across Algeria, including international airports, hotels, and popular tourist attractions, during the data collection period (November-December 2024). The sampling method was convenience-based (Wengler et al. 2024) due to the limited accessibility of a centralized international tourist registry. Before completing the questionnaire, participants were informed about the study’s objectives and assured that their responses would remain anonymous and confidential. Participation was entirely voluntary, and informed consent was obtained from each respondent prior to data collection, in accordance with ethical research standards. Demographic information was collected to contextualize the sample and support interpretation of the findings. Although these variables were not used as predictors in the model, they offer insight into the profile of the respondents and help assess the representativeness of the sample.
Among the 168 participants, 91 identified as male (54.2%) and 77 as female (45.8%). Educational backgrounds varied: 25.0% had completed secondary school or less, 42.3% held a bachelor’s degree, 18.5% had a master’s degree, and 14.2% possessed a postgraduate qualification (PhD). Regarding monthly household income, 31.5% earned less than 50,000 DZD, 40.5% reported income between 50,000 and 70,000 DZD, and 28.0% earned above 70,000 DZD. In terms of international travel experience, 25.0% had traveled abroad once, 31.5% twice, and 43.5% three times or more. Table 1 summarizes the demographic characteristics of the sample.

Table 1: Demographic characteristics of respondents
Source: Author

3.2 Measures

To ensure the validity and reliability of the measurement items, a rigorous process was followed. All variables were measured using a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from 1 (totally disagree) to 5 (totally agree) (Belhamri and Belboula 2024; Volfová et al. 2024). The measurement items were adapted from established studies to maintain consistency with prior research. A pilot study was conducted with 24 respondents to assess the clarity and comprehensibility of the questionnaire. Additionally, three experts in the field of tourism studies were invited to evaluate the content validity of the items, ensuring they were suitable for measuring the intended constructs.
Given that the study targeted international tourists visiting Algeria, the questionnaire was originally developed in English and then translated into Arabic following a back-translation procedure (Brislin 1970) to minimize potential language bias. The translation process involved two bilingual researchers independently translating the questionnaire into Arabic, followed by a separate translation back into English. Any discrepancies were reviewed and resolved to ensure semantic equivalence. The final version of the questionnaire was then pretested with a small group of respondents to confirm its clarity and appropriateness. The measurement items for each construct, along with their sources, are presented in Table 2.

Table 2: Measurement items for study variables
Source: Author

4 Results

The reliability of the measurement items was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, with all values exceeding the recommended threshold of 0.7 (Bouarar et al. 2023; Wengler et al. 2024), indicating good internal consistency. The normality of the data distribution was also verified through skewness and kurtosis values, which fell within the acceptable range of ±2, suggesting that the data were normally distributed (Bouarar et al. 2023). Additionally, „variance inflation factor“ (VIF) values were below the critical threshold of 5, confirming that multicollinearity was not a concern (Hair et al. 2013).

Table 3: Mean, cronbach’s alpha, kurtosis and skewness
Source: Author

Multiple linear regression was applied to test the hypotheses. The results indicated that all four hypotheses were supported. Perceived usefulness positively influenced tourists’ intentions to adopt travel applications (H1: β=0.239, t=4.344, p<0.001). Perceived ease of use also had a significant positive effect on adoption intentions (H2: β=0.147, t=2.531, p<0.05). Furthermore, attitude towards travel applications significantly influenced adoption intentions (H3: β=0.304, t=4.998, p <0.001). Finally, trust was found to be a strong predictor of adoption intentions (H4: β=0.116, t=2.358, p<0.05).
The coefficient of determination (R²) for the dependent variable was 0.509, indicating that 50.9% of the variance in adoption intentions could be explained by the independent variables. This suggests that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude, and trust play a significant role in shaping international tourists’ intentions to use travel applications in Algeria.

Table 4: Hypothesis testing results
Source: Author

5 Discussion

The results indicate that perceived usefulness significantly influences tourists’ intentions to adopt travel applications, supporting H1. This finding aligns with the TAM, which posits that individuals are more likely to adopt technology when they perceive it as beneficial (Davis 1989). In the tourism sector, perceived usefulness reflects the extent to which travelers believe that using a travel app will enhance their experience, such as simplifying trip planning, improving navigation, and providing real-time updates. Prior research has also emphasized the role of perceived usefulness in shaping users’ adoption behaviors in digital tourism (Albayrak et al. 2023; Chen and Tsai 2019; Huang et al. 2019; Kim 2016; Liu et al. 2023). An et al. (2023) found that perceived usefulness had a significant impact on the intention to use food delivery apps. Our findings are consistent with previous studies demonstrating that travelers prioritize efficiency and convenience when choosing digital solutions (Kim et al. 2019). Given the increasing reliance on mobile applications for travel-related activities, it is essential for app developers and tourism providers to focus on enhancing the perceived benefits of their platforms. Features such as personalized recommendations, seamless booking options, and AI-driven assistance can further increase the perceived value of travel applications (Belhamri and Belboula 2024). Future research could explore how perceived usefulness interacts with other variables, such as trust and social influence, in shaping adoption decisions.
Our findings confirm that perceived ease of use has a significant positive impact on tourists’ intentions to adopt travel applications, supporting H2. This result is in line with prior studies on technology adoption, which have consistently found that ease of use plays a crucial role in user acceptance (Venkatesh et al. 2003). When travelers perceive an application as easy to navigate, requiring minimal effort to operate, they are more likely to use it (Huang et al. 2019). This is particularly relevant in the tourism industry, where users often come from diverse backgrounds with varying levels of technological proficiency. Prior research has demonstrated that user-friendly interfaces, intuitive design, and clear instructions enhance adoption rates in mobile tourism applications (Albayrak et al. 2023; Chen and Tsai 2019). An et al. (2023) found that perceived ease of use had a significant impact on the intention to use food delivery apps. Our findings suggest that developers should focus on optimizing user experience by minimizing cognitive load, providing interactive tutorials, and ensuring compatibility across devices. Additionally, incorporating voice assistants and chatbot support could further improve usability (Belhamri and Belboula 2024), making travel applications more accessible to a wider audience. Future research could investigate how perceived ease of use interacts with other psychological and situational factors, such as perceived behavioral control and travel anxiety, in influencing adoption intentions.
The study reveals that attitudes towards travel applications significantly influence tourists’ adoption intentions, supporting H3. This finding aligns with the TPB, which suggests that positive attitudes lead to stronger behavioral intentions. Travelers who perceive travel apps as useful, enjoyable, and beneficial for their trips are more likely to adopt them (Lim et al. 2022). Attitudes towards technology adoption are shaped by both cognitive and affective evaluations (Volfová et al. 2024). In the tourism context, prior studies have demonstrated that attitudes towards travel app shopping were predominantly determined by „perceived relative advantages“, compatibility and complexity (e.g., Lim et al. 2022). Attitudes can be influenced by previous experiences with travel technology, social recommendations, and perceived entertainment value. Our results suggest that tourism stakeholders should focus on enhancing users’ attitudes by highlighting the advantages of travel applications through targeted marketing campaigns and user testimonials. Interactive features such as augmented reality navigation, gamification, and loyalty rewards can also contribute to a more favorable perception of travel apps. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and virtual reality have the potential to enhance personalization and create more engaging, immersive interactions throughout various stages of the user journey under different temporal conditions (Tarnanidis 2023). Future research could explore how cultural differences and personality traits influence tourists’ attitudes toward technology adoption in different regions.
Our findings confirm that trust plays a significant role in shaping tourists’ intentions to adopt travel applications, supporting H4. Trust in both the application provider and data security is crucial, as travelers are often required to share sensitive personal and financial information when using digital platforms. This result is consistent with previous studies highlighting the importance of trust in technology adoption, particularly in online and mobile commerce (Albayrak et al. 2023; Choi et al. 2023; Hassan et al. 2024; Hua et al. 2021; Kim 2016; Liu et al. 2023; Medeiros et al. 2024; Mishra et al. 2023; Wu and Lee 2017). Su et al. (2022) discovered that both „perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness“ had a positive impact on customer trust in mobile food delivery apps. This trust, in turn, contributed to increased customer loyalty toward these platforms. In the travel industry, trust is influenced by factors such as „performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, and social influence“ (Mishra et al. 2023). Hua et al. (2021) suggest that trust in technology develops through user experiences, particularly their perceptions of its usefulness and ease of use. Our study suggests that enhancing trust can be achieved through secure payment gateways, clear privacy policies, and partnerships with reputable tourism providers. Furthermore, integrating blockchain technology and biometric authentication could strengthen users’ confidence in app security. Given that trust is a multidimensional construct, future research could examine how different dimensions of trust – such as trust in technology, trust in providers, and trust in regulatory frameworks – interact to influence adoption decisions.

6 Conclusions

This study explored the key factors influencing international tourists’ intentions to adopt travel applications in Algeria by extending the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) with the construct of Trust. The empirical findings demonstrate that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude, and trust each play a significant and positive role in shaping adoption intentions. These results affirm the foundational principles of TAM while highlighting the additional explanatory power gained by integrating trust-particularly in the context of digital tourism, where concerns over data privacy, app reliability, and service authenticity are increasingly prevalent.
The study confirms that both functional aspects (usefulness and usability) and psychological dimensions (attitude and trust) are crucial in influencing user behavior. In doing so, it reinforces the need for a holistic approach to technology design and implementation that addresses not only efficiency and convenience but also emotional and cognitive responses such as confidence and security.
Importantly, this research offers a context-specific contribution by focusing on Algeria, a relatively underrepresented setting in digital tourism studies. The validation of the extended TAM model within this environment adds empirical depth to the growing body of literature on technology adoption in emerging tourism destinations and provides a foundation for improving the design, promotion, and regulation of digital travel services.

6.1 Practical implications

The findings offer valuable insights for travel app developers, tourism businesses, and policymakers. First, app designers should prioritize user experience by enhancing perceived usefulness and ease of use. This can be achieved through personalized recommendations, seamless navigation, and AI-driven support features. Given that attitudes significantly influence adoption intentions, developers should also focus on creating engaging and enjoyable user experiences, incorporating features such as gamification and augmented reality to increase user engagement.
Second, the strong impact of trust on adoption intentions highlights the need for robust security measures. Travel app providers should implement transparent privacy policies, secure payment gateways, and authentication mechanisms to reassure users about data protection. Tourism businesses can also leverage trust-building strategies, such as verified customer reviews and partnerships with established brands, to enhance credibility. Policymakers, in turn, should work on regulatory frameworks that ensure data security and ethical digital tourism practices.
In summary, enhancing travel app adoption requires a concerted effort that spans technical excellence, trust-building mechanisms, engaging user experiences, and strong institutional support. By addressing these areas holistically, stakeholders can foster greater digital engagement and elevate the overall quality of tourism services in emerging markets such as Algeria.

6.2 Limitations and future research

While the study makes several important contributions, certain limitations must be acknowledged. First, the use of a relatively small, convenience-based sample may affect the generalizability of the findings. Future research should consider employing larger and more diverse samples to validate the model across different demographic and cultural groups. Second, the focus on international tourists in Algeria limits the contextual scope of the study. Comparative or cross-national research could help determine whether these relationships hold in other regions or among domestic travelers. Third, while the extended TAM provided valuable insights, the model can be enriched further by including additional constructs such as social influence, perceived risk, hedonic motivation, or habit. Future research could also integrate or compare different theoretical models-such as UTAUT, TPB, Innovation Diffusion Theory, or Trust-based frameworks-to capture more complex behavioral drivers. Finally, examining how advanced features (e.g., AI personalization, blockchain security) impact adoption could offer deeper insights into emerging trends in travel technology.

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Kľúčové slová/Key words

Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), digital tourism, tourist behavior, travel app, trust, tourism marketing, international tourists
model akceptácie technológie (TAM), digitálny cestovný ruch, správanie turistov, cestovná aplikácia, dôvera, marketing cestovného ruchu, zahraniční turisti

JEL klasifikácia/JEL Classification

M31, O33, Z32

Résumé

Zámery prijatia cestovných aplikácií: Rozšírenie modelu akceptácie technológie o dôveru
Zavedenie cestovných aplikácií výrazne zmenilo odvetvie cestovného ruchu tým, že zvýšilo dostupnosť, pohodlie a efektívnosť plánovania ciest. Pochopenie faktorov, ktoré vedú k zámerom zahraničných turistov prijať cestovné aplikácie, je naďalej veľmi dôležité, najmä na rozvíjajúcich sa trhoch cestovného ruchu, ako je Alžírsko. Táto štúdia rozširuje model akceptácie technológií (Technology Acceptance Model – TAM) o dôveru s cieľom preskúmať jej úlohu pri formovaní zámerov turistov prijať aplikácie. Údaje boli získané od 168 zahraničných turistov pomocou štruktúrovaného dotazníka. Vo výskume sa použila viacnásobná lineárna regresia na analýzu vzťahov medzi vnímanou užitočnosťou, vnímanou jednoduchosťou používania, postojom a dôverou pri predpovedaní zámeru prijatia. Zistenia ukázali, že všetky štyri predpokladané vzťahy sa potvrdili, čo naznačuje, že vnímaná užitočnosť, vnímaná jednoduchosť používania, postoj a dôvera pozitívne ovplyvňujú zámery turistov prijať cestovné aplikácie. Model vysvetlil 50.90% rozptylu v úmysle prijatia. Tieto zistenia ponúkajú teoretické a praktické poznatky o prijímaní cestovných aplikácií s dôsledkami pre vývojárov aplikácií, zainteresované strany v cestovnom ruchu a tvorcov politík pri zlepšovaní digitálnych služieb cestovného ruchu v Alžírsku.

Recenzované/Reviewed

8. May 2025 / 18. May 2025