Visitors' Engagement in Second-Chance Tourism: Gender Differences in the Perception of Trust and Emotional Involvement Through Virtual Reality Technologies

Virtual tourism, offering immersive experiences, is revitalizing destinations with troubled pasts through second-chance tourism. However, research gaps remain in understanding emotional involvement and trust dynamics, particularly concerning gender differences. Using purposive sampling and data from 317 consumers, this study employed partial least squares structural equation modeling. Findings reveal that perceived ease of use and entertainment positively influence both forms of trust, which subsequently affect emotional involvement and behavioral intention. Males are more responsive to experiential aspects and exhibit stronger seller trust linked to emotional involvement, but weaker product trust than females. This is the first study that answered whether virtual reality technologies would encourage users’ engagement in second-chance tourism. It further integrates technology acceptance model dimensions with emotional involvement and the two trust forms. Finally, it addresses whether gender-specific preferences would result in different outcomes, which is particularly important when making sound managerial recommendations in second-chance tourism.

International Journal of Hospitality & Administration

International Journal of Hospitality & Administration

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1525-6499

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30