From Usability to Sustainability: Stakeholders' Acceptance of Virtual Reality and Its Contribution to Sustainable Tourism Development in Himachal Pradesh
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This study investigates how stakeholders in Himachal Pradesh perceive virtual reality (VR) in supporting sustainable tourism development, focusing on the mediating role of perceived usefulness (PU) between perceived ease of use (PEOU) and sustainability support. Using a cross-sectional Google Form survey (N = 103), data were collected on stakeholder readiness, PEOU, PU, and sustainable tourism development support (STD) through a 5-point Likert scale. Results indicate generally positive perceptions of VR, with higher ratings for PU (M = 3.85) and PEOU (M = 3.55) than readiness (M = 3.17). One-sample tests revealed that PEOU, PU, and STD were significantly above the neutral midpoint, while readiness was only marginally significant. Correlation analysis showed strong positive relationships between STD and both PEOU and PU. Regression findings explained 62.3% of variance in STD, with PU and PEOU emerging as significant predictors, whereas readiness had no significant direct effect. Mediation analysis confirmed that PU partially mediates the relationship between PEOU and STD. The findings highlight that stakeholder support for VR-driven sustainable tourism depends mainly on perceived value and ease of use.
Authors: Manthan S Bhardwaj, Nisha Kumari
Institution: Lovely Professional University
Language: English
Subfield: Information Systems and Management
Field: Decision Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7212166457