Tourism metaverse from the attribution theory lens: a metaverse behavioral map and future directions

Purpose This study aims to highlight the importance of using attribution theory in metaverse tourism research. The study addresses the lack of clarity regarding the attribution theory’s dimensions (locus, stability, controllability) potential application in the metaverse tourism context. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a comprehensive exploration of the research gap by searching top-tier journals in Scopus and Web of Science databases about the relevant literature to analyze relevant data to provide a foundation for future transformative research. The study examines the relationship between attribution theory and metaverse tourism and explores how attribution theory can inform the understanding of tourists’ judgments and actions in the metaverse context. Findings The study shows that attribution theory has the potential to significantly improve the understanding of metaverse tourism by illuminating tourists’ decision-making processes and the factors contributing to those decisions. The study highlights the importance of applying attribution theory to generate more impactful and reliable implications for the tourism industry. Originality/value This study is transformative because it provides a foundational understanding of the application of attribution theory in metaverse tourism research. The study is significant because it sheds light on an underexplored area where the theoretical framework is necessary to inform and guide tourism technology research. The study’s originality lies in its contribution to tourism by identifying room for improvement in metaverse tourism research and highlighting the potential benefits of using attribution theory.