Enhancing the Traveler Experience through Mobile Application Integration: A Study of “Smart Tourism” in Dhaka City
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Abstract
Background: Smart tourism is the use of digital technology, such as mobile apps, to make travel more enjoyable in cities. Internet access, as part of ""Digital Bangladesh,"" has grown rapidly from nearly zero in the mid-1990s to about 75% coverage by the year 2024. Dhaka is the hub for urban tourism in Bangladesh and has benefited from the increased use of mobile apps (such as digital payments, ridesharing, and navigation) that improve mobility and access to urban tourism services for visitors. Based on data collected from national regulatory authorities, governmental organizations, and leading digital platforms, there has been a significant increase in the use of digital technologies and an increased amount of access to users of digital technologies to help solve problems associated with traditional urban tourism service delivery. Objective: This study aims to examine the role of mobile application integration in enhancing smart tourism experiences in Dhaka. Specifically, it evaluates how mobile-based services improve visitor satisfaction, navigation efficiency, and access to tourism-related services within the urban tourism ecosystem. Methodology: A combination of quantitative and qualitative methods was used. Statistical regression was used to analyze time-series data on internet penetration (1995–2024) and mobile application usage (after 2010) in order to investigate correlations between digital adoption and visitor experience metrics. The quantitative results were contextualized and validated using qualitative insights from smart city studies and urban mobility reports. Results: The results show a substantial positive correlation between the expansion of the internet, the use of mobile applications, and the enhancement of Dhaka's urban tourism services. Perceived traveler satisfaction has significantly increased as a result of the growth of digital payments, ride-sharing, and navigation platforms, which have improved visitor mobility and service accessibility. In general, Dhaka's smart tourist offerings have grown significantly in tandem with the uptake of digital technology. Conclusion: The study concludes that mobile applications play a significant role in strengthening smart tourism in Dhaka by improving visitor convenience, service accessibility, and overall experience. Expanding public–private digital integration and strengthening urban tourism-focused digital services can further support sustainable smart tourism development in Bangladesh.
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Publication Details
- Type of Publication:
- Conference Name: RMSTU National Tourism Conference 2026 - "Tourism Tomorrow: Nature's Next fleck to explore"
- Date of Conference: 16/01/2026 - 16/01/2026
- Venue: Rangamati Science and Technology University, Rangamati Sadar, Rangamati-4500, Bangladesh
- Organizer: Rangamati Science and Technology University