Understanding the role of atmospheric cues of travel apps: A synthesis between media richness and stimulus–organism–response theory

Abstract The concept of atmospheric cues has been developed in environmental psychology to denote physical attractions from the natural habitat. This research adopts the idea with an application in the travel application domain. Guided by the stimulus–organism–response (S–O–R) paradigm and media richness theory, we synthesize an integrated model to assess the effect of a travel app's atmospheric cues on a sequence of tourist emotional and behavioral responses. Empirical evidence presented in this research illuminates an important serial mediating process of flow experience, perceived usefulness, perceived enjoyment, and attitude on both app reusage and site revisit intentions. This research concludes with theoretical and practical implications to point to the critical role of advanced atmospheric capabilities of travel apps in inducing favorable emotional and behavioral responses.