The mediating and moderating effects on the intention to use navigation apps

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore external, mediator and moderator factors that influence tourist intention to use GPS-based navigation apps from the perspective of spatiotemporal tourist behavior (STTB). Design/methodology/approach A total of 636 valid questionnaires were selected from tourists visiting Lijiang Ancient Town. The partial least squares-structural equation modeling with the SmartPLS approach was adopted to estimate and validate the model. Findings The results of this paper showed that wayfinding efficiency, sensation-seeking behavior and spatial ability (SA) influence tourists’ intention to use (IU) navigation apps. A mediator of perceived location accuracy between SA and IU has been found. A multigroup generation moderator is verified in the model. Practical implications This paper provides a better understanding of the relationship between tourist spatiotemporal behavior and navigation apps, presenting practical suggestions for app developers, destination managers and vacation planners. Originality/value While the effects of information technology on tourist behavior have become a topic of interest among tourism industry stakeholders, this paper examines the effects of STTB on the acceptance of navigation apps in reverse, which enriches the theoretical framework.