Gamification in Sustainable Smart Tourism Destinations: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Purpose - This study aims to identify, analyze, and synthesize gamification's purposes, benefits, and essential factors in the tourism industry through a systematic literature review (SLR). Methodology - The research is based on a systematic review of the literature and focuses on pertinent gamification literature in the tourism industry. The authors analyzed 30 articles published between 2013 and 2021. Findings - The authors summarize previous research into five categories of purposes for gamification: (1) engagement, (2) enjoyable experiences, (3) loyalty & brand awareness, (4) sustainable behavior, (5) competitive advantage; three benefits of gamification: (1) utilitarian, (2) hedonic, and (3) social; and two essential factors in gamification that support successful smart tourism destinations: (1) tourist motivational, and (2) game design element. The originality of the research - The study provides the SLR method to investigate gamification's purposes, benefits, and essential factors to support sustainable smart tourism destinations (SSTD). This finding helps build a complete understanding of the gamification concept to support sustainable smart tourism destinations.