Smart tourism application and destination image: mediating role of theory of mind (ToM)

This study aims to explore the mediating role of theory of mind (ToM) on smart tourism application, destination image and behavioural intention. Using a sample of international tourists in Hong Kong, structural equation modelling was applied to the sample to investigate the causal relationship between the proposed and alternative models. From the result of the proposed model, ToM plays a mediating role in enhancing the image of a smart destination and consequently improves tourists’ behavioural intention. The alternative model shows the direct effects of smart tourism application on destination image. Theoretical and managerial implications will be discussed to related findings.