MUSEUM VISITORS EXPERIENCE WITH INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to determine how much do the participants use the internet when making reservations for tourism services, that is, determining their daily habits regarding the use of smart technologies. Design - The paper consists of the introduction, literature overview, methodology and the survey results. Methodology - The survey was conducted during the post-season, and the visitors of the Museum of Apoxyomenos in Mali Losinj were examined because it was the easiest way to survey more than hundred tourists at the same place on the island. They were surveyed immediately after their visit by using a questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of demographic questions and a section with statements where respondents had to indicate to what extent, from 1 to 7, they agree with each one of them. The paper is also used to realize how much are visitors satisfied with the museum. It is based only on the average score of the rated statements. The relationship between the variables related to the use of technology in everyday life and the ones related to the satisfaction with museum visit will be analysed in the paper. It is based on a quantitative analysis, that is, the Pearson Correlation. Approach - Before conducting and analysing the survey, the topic was set up theoretically, that is, the theoretical framework was established and the overview of previous research about museum satisfaction in general, the role of technology in tourism and smart tourism destinations was done. Findings - The results of the survey show what the purpose of this paper is - to prove that the museums in which visitors have the opportunity to use information and communication technology are more interesting to visitors. In this way, they even remember more information than in classic museums. Also, the results show that visitors really listen and see more than they would in a classic museum. Originality of the research - Taking into consideration the fact that there is a relatively small number of research done regarding this and similar topics, this paper will certainly contribute to the development of this subject, especially in the age when technology signifies future in every area of life.