The role of drones in communication and promotion of tourism experiences: A case of Poland

Abstract

Tourists travel to collect images in either their memories or some tangible form. The contemporary trend of mass tourists" behaviour is to replace cameras with digital devices. The next step, but only taken by selected and more technology-oriented segments of tourists, is the use of drones (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles - UAV). The aim of the paper is the evaluation of UAV"s role in tourism in Poland. In-depth interviews were conducted with Polish experts (N=13) in the field of drones. The survey questionnaire (N=1175) was conducted with Polish tourists. It was found that drones enhance user value and technology-induced experience. UAVs can also enhance tourists" experience. It is becoming an increasing trend, Polish tourists being no exception, to use them to commemorate some extraordinary moments or sites, but most of all tourists themselves. In Polish tourism market, the entities promoting most frequently with UAVs are venues: Congress and trade centres, attractions and hotels. Drones are also used to widen the experiences of meetings and events" participants.