Abstract
Due to rapid technological advancements, mobile travel applications (apps) have transformed the ways in which people conduct various travel-related activities. The use of mobile travel apps enables travel companies to sustain contact with users at the onset of a trip, during the trip and after the trip, thereby enhancing user engagement. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that determine user engagement in the context of mobile travel apps. Non-probability convenience sampling was used, resulting in a sample size of 254 mobile travel app users who reside in South Africa and are 18 years and older. The data was obtained through a self-administered online survey. The multiple regression analysis indicated that information quality, system quality and service quality are significant predictors of user satisfaction, and user satisfaction was found to be a significant predictor of user engagement. The study offers detailed insights to travel companies and app designers on which app features to prioritise to attain user engagement. The study adds to the available literature on user engagement with mobile travel apps with a focus on user behaviour in the context of an emerging economy.