Unveiling the Mechanism: How Smart Tourism Technology Fosters Destination Loyalty in the Chinese Context

Yi Yonghua; Suhaida Binti Mohd Amin; Ramesh A/L Krishnan

doi:10.2478/ijssis-2026-0027

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Unveiling the Mechanism: How Smart Tourism Technology Fosters Destination Loyalty in the Chinese Context

International Journal on Smart Sensing and Intelligent Systems

Volume 19 (2026): Issue 1 (January 2026)

By: Yi Yonghua, Suhaida Binti Mohd Amin and Ramesh A/L Krishnan

Open Access

|Aug 2026

Abstract

Destination loyalty (DL) is essential for the long-term sustainability of cultural cities, yet it remains poorly understood in technology-enhanced contexts. This study investigates how Smart Tourism Technology (STT) fosters DL in Luoyang city, a UNESCO World Heritage city in China. It specifically examines the influence of five key STT factors, Informativeness, Accessibility (ACC), Interactivity (INTER), Personalization, and Security (SECUR), and explores the mediating role of tourist satisfaction (TS). A quantitative approach was employed, and 550 valid responses were retained after rigorous screening. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was utilized to analyze the data. The findings show that STT exerts both direct and indirect effects on DL through TS. This study confirms TS as a key mediator, offering theoretical value. Practically, the results provide actionable insights for tourism stakeholders and policymakers to strengthen the local economy through enhanced technological access in Luoyang City.

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Articles in this issue

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/ijssis-2026-0027 | Journal eISSN: 1178-5608

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Language: English

Submitted on: Feb 9, 2026

Published on: Aug 12, 2026

Published by: International Journal on Smart Sensing and Intelligent Systems

In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

Publication frequency: 1 issue per year

Keywords:

Smart Tourism Technology,

Destination Loyalty,

Tourist Satisfaction,

Heritage Tourism,

Luoyang City

Related subjects:

Engineering,

Introductions and overviews,

Engineering, other

© 2026 Yi Yonghua, Suhaida Binti Mohd Amin, Ramesh A/L Krishnan, published by International Journal on Smart Sensing and Intelligent Systems
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

Volume 19 (2026): Issue 1 (January 2026)