An Evaluation of a Contextual Computing Approach to Visitor Information Systems

Abstract

Contextual computing is becoming an increasingly important researchfield in tourism. It is essential to have a substantial understanding ofhow these systems work and to measure the extent to which real visitorsare ready and willing to use them. Thus, this study proposes a two levelevaluation that measures the technical performance of a particularcontextual computing system, named CONCERT, according to variousvariables on the one hand, and that assesses the extent to which visitorexperience improves by using these types of services. A series of keyrelationships have been found between the results of the technical anduser evaluations. The findings of the user evaluation providesignificant insight into the role of contextual computing services intourism to increase visitors' experience.