Table 3.

Axial coding results

Thematic domainCategorySubcategoryInterpretation
User-related conditionsUser characteristicsPhysical traitsAge-related changes in health and physical ability affecting mobility and digital use
Personality attributesEducational attainment and traits such as self-reliance and openness
Cognitive abilityCapacity to learn and retain digital skills, including memory, receptivity and learning ability
Service demandNo demand, limited demandExpressed needs and motivations for tourism services
Self-efficacySelf-efficacyPerceived confidence in one’s ability to use smart tourism service
Technological conditionsDigital distanceTechnology acceptance, exposure frequencyPerceived cognitive, emotional and behavioral closeness or separation between users and digital technologies
Technology use barriersSensory-interface, procedural, cognitive, functional, device literacy barriersOperational barriers because of older adults’ limited digital skills in using smart tourism services
Technology-related riskPsychological, performance, financial, privacy riskPerceived risk related to using digital services
System functionalityUsefulness, ease of use, reliabilityFunctional and usability characteristics of smart tourism services
Tourism-specific conditionsTourism-contextual constraintsTravel constraintsPhysical travel constraints, family concerns on travel
Infrastructure limitationsPhysical and digital barrier, such as poor transport, weak connectivity and age-unfriendly design
Embedded social mechanismsSocial supportInformational supportGuidance and explanations received from others
Technical supportDirect assistance with technology from family or staff
Emotional supportEncouragement or reassurance offered by social contacts
Proxy supportHaving others operate services on behalf of older adults
Social normsDemonstrative normsObserving widespread use of digital tools by peers or society
Social pressureFeeling obliged to conform to prevailing digital practices
Conventional cognitionAge-based stereotypes, beliefs that technology is for young people
Personal normsPerceived necessity and feasibility of smart tourism use
Economic incentivesPrice discounts, cost savingPerception of financial advantage or affordability as a motivation
Adaptive outcomeUsage behaviorActive, limited, non-useTypologies of smart tourism engagement
Feedback mechanismUsage ExperienceExperience satisfactionOverall emotional and evaluative response to use

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