Engaging minds and hearts: the impact of gamified mobile storytelling on cultural learning
Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology, ss.1-23, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1108/jhtt-05-2025-0458
- Dergi Adı: Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, ABI/INFORM, Hospitality & Tourism Complete, Hospitality & Tourism Index
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1-23
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Educational tourism, Engagement theory, Gamified mobile storytelling, Intangible cultural heritage, Mobile applications, 参与理论, 教育旅游, 游戏化移动叙事, 移动应用, 非物质文化遗产
- Akdeniz Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Purpose – This study aims to explore the effectiveness of gamified mobile storytelling in promoting cultural understanding and engagement among young visitors in Konya-Türkiye, particularly through the lens of the Finding Light through Rumi’s Path (FLTRP) game. Design/methodology/approach – Using a convenience sample of 432 participants, the study was conducted in Konya. Adapted from validated scales and translated into Turkish, the questionnaire contained measures for engagement, usability, argument quality, source credibility, affective image and perceived learning-related outcomes. Analyses of the questionnaire data proceeded using SPSS 27 for descriptive statistics and SmartPLS 3.0.9 for structural modelling. Findings – The model demonstrated moderate explanatory power; structural model analysis validated significant positive relationships between source credibility and engagement, usability and engagement, engagement and affective image, and engagement and perceived learning-related outcomes. According to mediation analysis, engagement partially mediated relationships between source credibility and usability with affective image and perceived learning-related outcomes, while it did not mediate relationships involving argument quality. Originality/value – The study adds value by empirically testing engagement as a mediating factor between argument quality, source credibility, usability and perceived learning-related outcomes. In contrast to previous research in tourism, this study underlines the importance of emotional and cognitive involvement as crucial for improving perceived learning-related outcomes in gamified cultural education.