Title: Examining the tech-aware practices of wellness traveller: a profile study

Authors: Célia M.Q. Ramos; Rashed Isam Ashqar; Carlos Sousa; Nelson Matos

Addresses: CinTurs and ESGHT, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 – Faro, Portugal ' Al Zaytona University of Science and Technology (ZUST), Palestine and CinTurs, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 – Faro, Portugal ' ESGHT and CiTUR, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 – Faro, Portugal ' CinTurs and Faculty of Economics, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 – Faro, Portugal

Abstract: The attention given by tourism managers to using technologies has increased, especially after COVID-19. This paper aims to identify the different profiles associated with health and wellness tourists, considering their use of technologies for this type of tourism. Data were collected through a questionnaire for all tourists aged 18 or older from different countries participating in a health and well-being activity. Using cluster analysis, we identified two clusters: Technophiles and Technophobes. Our findings highlight the customers' need for personalised experiences through technology and reinforce the need for companies to provide customers with apps and messages on different platforms and social media to deliver better customer experiences. Moreover, we offer implications for policymakers in developing wellness programs that focus on these technologies.

Keywords: information and communication technology; wellness tourism; hotels services; travel motivations; smart technologies; technology personalisation; wellness services; tech-integration in wellness tourism.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2026.154179

International Journal of Tourism Policy, 2026 Vol.16 No.3, pp.185 - 205

Received: 29 Jan 2025
Accepted: 05 Nov 2025
Published online: 15 Jun 2026 *

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