E-mindfulness – the growing importance of facilitating tourists’ connections to the present moment

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to introduce e-mindfulness as a tourism trend. Mindfulness meditation is becoming increasingly mainstream, which is reflected in a rapidly growing number of related technology applications. Such technology-assisted mindfulness is typically referred to as e-mindfulness. The e-mindfulness trend creates opportunities for the tourism industry but also implies changed consumer perspectives on tourist experiences. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on a general review of academic literature, news reports and online resources regarding the offerings of related technologies. Findings – Implications of e-mindfulness for consumers, tourism service providers and designers of future tourism experiences are outlined. Originality/value – This is the first paper to conceptualize e-mindfulness as a tourism trend.

Keywords

• mindfulness
• e-mindfulness
• technology
• tourist experience
• business innovation