Grounded in stress and coping theory, this study investigates Digital-Free Tourism (DFT) as a behavioral coping response to social space technostress. It examines how technostress-induced psychological strain motivates travelers to seek restorative experiences through destination attributes, which mediate the relationship between stress and DFT adoption.
A quantitative approach was employed, utilizing exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) to validate constructs and test hypotheses. Data were collected from 360 respondents across South Asia and Africa via a structured questionnaire.
The results confirm that social space technostress significantly drives DFT motivations, mediated by destination attributes such as cultural experiences and hospitality services. Key DFT motivations include relaxation, nature connection, and social bonding. While technostress directly enhances preference for destination attributes, its impact on DFT is fully mediated by these factors.
This study offers actionable insights for destination marketers, hospitality providers, and policymakers. Designing tourism experiences that emphasize analog engagement—such as device-free zones, unplugged cultural events, and wellness-focused hospitality—can effectively serve the needs of digitally fatigued travellers.
This study contributes by empirically validating a DFT motivation scale and integrating technostress with destination attribute theory. It offers novel insights into how psychological stressors shape travel behavior, providing a framework for future research and practical applications in tourism management.
