Patterns of Touch Screen Technology Use in Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the effective use of interactive touch-screen technology by pilgrims and the umrah performers, during the Hajj and Umrah rituals. The study relied on a media survey methodology. A questionnaire was used as a tool to collect data. A total of 400 pilgrims and Umrah performers participated in the study. The study drew from the uses and gratifications approach. Results indicated that the bulk of pilgrims and the umrah performers are active and heavy users on using the interactive touch screens technology. Moreover, the findings confirmed that there is a strong correlation between the intensity of usage of touch-screen technology by pilgrims as well as Umrah performers, and their demographic variables. More importantly, the findings revealed that touch screens’ usage increased the spread of awareness, guidance, and information among pilgrims and Umrah performers about the Hajj and Umrah rituals.