Tourism Management Studies

Developing a model for the application of smart technologies in pilgrimage destinations using the meta-synthesis method

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Mahla Rezaei 1
Esmaeil Ghaderi 2

1 PhD student, Faculty of Tourism, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

2 Associate Professor, Faculty of Management and Accounting, Allameh Tabatabaei University, Tehran/Iran.

https://doi.org/10.22054/tms.2026.90103.3150
Abstract
The aim of this study is to present a systematic model of the application of smart technologies in pilgrimage destinations. The research was conducted using a meta-synthesis method based on the Sandelowski and Barroso protocol. For this purpose, 18 peer-reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2025 were selected from Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The findings indicate that the application of smart technologies can be categorized into three levels: micro, meso, and macro. At the micro level, technology facilitates travel, personalizes experiences, and enhances pilgrim satisfaction, while potentially weakening spiritual aspects and individualizing pilgrimage practices. At the meso level, technology functions as an essential tool for crowd management, safety enhancement, and service improvement. At the macro level, it can support economic development, equitable access, and transnational interactions, but may also alter the essence of pilgrimage and diminish its spiritual dimensions.

Keywords

Smart technologies
pilgrimage destinations
meta-synthesis
pilgrimage experience
Tourism Management Studies

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 02 February 2026

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