Tourist engagement with mobile apps of E-leisure: a combined model of self-determination theory and technology acceptance model

Evidence shows that smart phones have increasingly become an essential part of people's everyday lives and leisure activities. However, the role that mobile phones play in tourist engagement with leisure activities remains ambiguous. Therefore, the aim of this research was to assess the features of mobile apps of E-leisure (MAOEL) leading to tourist engagement and the antecedents and consequences of engagement. In this study, the technology acceptance model and self-determination theory were used. The study data were collected from 383 international tourists, who visited Iran in September and November 2019. Statistical analysis with structural equation modelling was performed with Smart PLS 3.0 software. The findings show that factors, including perceived ease of use, subjective norms, perceived enjoyment, and perceived usefulness, are important for enhancing tourist engagement with MAOEL. Also, tourist engagement with MAOEL and its reinforcement leads to increasing attitude toward brand and brand usage intention. These findings will help leisure service managers and practitioners to use mobile applications to improve and develop tourists' E-leisure experiences.