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Purpose

Virtual tour guides (VTGs), an emerging application of human–computer interaction in tourism, have not gained widespread acceptance due to consumers’ varied attitudes. This research explores the congruence effect between VTGs’ appearance type (AT) (human-like vs. anime-like) and voice style (VS) (serious vs. cute) on consumers’ acceptance intention (CAI), the mechanism and boundary condition.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the Dual-system Theory, this research performs three studies.

Findings

CAI increases when human-like VTGs use the serious VS, and perceived competence may mediate this effect. CAI increases when anime-like VTGs use the cute VS, and perceived enjoyment may mediate this effect. Moreover, the tourism destination type may moderate this congruence effect.

Originality/value

The theoretical contribution lies in applying the Dual-system Theory to explore how VTGs’ sensory cue combinations may influence CAI via cognitive and affective pathways. The managerial implication offers preliminary guidance on differentiated design and scenario adaptation for VTGs.

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