Digital Technology in Tourism-Related EFL Education: A Narrative Review of Learner Motivation and Implementation Barriers

Abstract

This study investigates the effects digital technology has on the motivation of English as Foreign Language (EFL) students and implementation obstacles in Tourism EFL classes. The study employed a narrative synthesis approach and used peer-reviewed empirical studies published from 2016 to 2026 in databases including Scopus, ERIC, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. The findings indicate that the use of digital technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), immersive technologies, and gamification, increases motivation as it provides authentic, realistic simulations, an interactive environment, and personalized feedback. Nonetheless, implementation faces barriers such as a lack of appropriate infrastructure, instructors' poor technological proficiency, technical failures, and privacy issues. In order to address this issue, it is recommended to invest in infrastructure development, improve teachers’ digital literacy, and encourage students’ academic discussions. Future studies may consider the role of digital technology in other ESP environments and concentrate on particular aspects of the English language.