Assessment of the impact of Smartphone Technology on Tour Guide Performance in Kenya

Abstract

Several studies have been conducted to examine the influence of technology on the travel and tourism industry. However, there exists limited literature on the adaptation and usage of Smartphone technology by Kenyan tour guides, a gap this study sought to address. The objective of the study was to examine the effect of Information Communication Technology (ICT) on tour guiding performance in Kenya, investigate the effect of smartphone usage on the guides’ performance and finally, explore the possibility of adoption smart guiding techniques by Kenya’s tour guides. The study used descriptive methods and target practicing tour guides as the respondents. The data collected was analyzed using the Pearson’s Chi-square test of independence. The findings indicated Smartphone technology positively influenced guides, performance (χ²=65.025;df 2; P<0.05).The study concluded that smartphone and information communication technology have significantly influenced guides performance and hence recommend to the government and other stakeholders to invest more in infrastructure that supports smart destinations, which offer interactive pre-tour services, during the tour and post-tour experiences. Innovation on applications that support real-time interaction with attractions, accommodation and financial institutions is recommended.