Use of Mobile Applications in the Tourism Sector in Portugal - Intention to Visit the Algarve Region

Abstract

The tourism is one of the most complex social phenomena and is assumed as a crucial economic activity, being considered fundamental for countries with tourism potential, such as Portugal. The aim of this research was to understand how often tourist mobile applications are used and whether their use is relevant to the intention of visiting the Algarve region, considering the users’ intention of using and accepting technologies. A model based on the TAM - Technology Acceptance Model was developed, and through a survey, with a non-probabilistic sample for convenience, factors influencing users’ behaviour on the perception of ease of use and usefulness were analysed, and factors contributing and influencing the consumer’s attitude towards mobile marketing, such as: perceived risk, perceived value and credibility. The results of the survey revealed that the usage rate of tourist applications is high contributing to the intention to visit the Algarve, indicating as main reasons, the access to feedback from other users, the easy access to this type of applications and their speed.