Periódico: Tourism and Hospitality International Journal
Fonte: Tourism and Hospitality International Journal ; Vol. 23 No. 1 (2024): October 2024 [35th Edition]; 27-46
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Resumo: The late 20th century witnessed a global transformation driven by technological development, particularly the internet, which interconnected people quickly and accessibly, helping the growth of online communities and social relationships based on shared interests and values. With the advent of smartphones and online social networks, mobile applications (apps) have become essential tools for managing daily life and interpersonal relationships. Since the 2010s, popularising apps using algorithms, geolocation, and personal data has facilitated the search for social encounters and relationships. This article aims to evaluate this dynamic by analysing the Timeleft app, which promotes dinners among strangers every Wednesday in various cities worldwide, and its impact on the gastronomic tourism experience in Portugal. Through questionnaires directed at tourists and residents, this research analyses users' perceptions of the app’s relevance to their gastronomic experiences in Portugal. The results demonstrate that Timeleft significantly fosters socialisation among strangers, particularly at gastronomic events in large urban centres. This article contributes to understanding the interaction between technology, tourism, and socialisation, filling a gap in research on the impact of dating apps on gastronomic tourism, especially in Portugal.
