Digital Technology in the Experience Economy Era

There is no doubt that modern travel experiences are increasingly mediated by digital technology. While these technologies create new opportunities for engagement and value creation, they also reshape tourists’ experiences, well-being, and risks in ways that are not yet fully understood. This talk is organised around three interconnected research missions: (1) enhancing tourists’ well-being and human flourishing, (2) supporting tourism businesses and DMOs in designing effective digital communication, and (3) uncovering hidden risks and reducing unintended consequences of technology use. Guided by these missions, this talk synthesises evidence from multiple research projects, including digital detox tourism, smartwatch use in outdoor recreation, in-flight safety videos featuring destinations, and risk-taking travel behaviour in social media-induced tourism. These insights also inspire a teaching philosophy centred around case-driven and collaborative learning that prepares students to design responsible and meaningful tourism experiences in the digital era.