Applications of technology in visitor attractions: Revisiting Stipanuk's perspective of the tourism/technology interface

Sa？etak In the face of an increasingly sophisticated consumer base, attractions of all types are embracing technology as a means of 'creating' or enhancing the visitor experience (Neuhofer, Buhalis & Ladkin, 2014). Perhaps because they represent the most obvious example of technological application in attractions, theme parks have been the primary focus of contemporary literature as it relates to the tourism/technology nexus. However, it is suggested that this perspective is too narrow as it neglects the myriad of uses of technologies across the entire spectrum of attractions. This paper revisits the seminal work of Stipanuk (1993) which called for a broader view, postulating applications ranging from technology as creator/enhancer, to technology as protector, focal point, and even, potentially, destroyer of attractions. A conceptual model is then advanced which depicts technology as having an eclectic set of applications across a broad spectrum of attractions