This study aims to fill the research gap in the literature by focusing on the factors influencing the adoption of mobile wallets (m-wallets) for cashless transactions in the tourism sector. The tourism industry is striving to transition toward a more stable economy by promoting the adoption of m-wallets and establishing guidelines for the optimal use of digital payment systems.

A modified version of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology 2 model has been used for this study. Convenience sampling was adopted to collect 647 responses through online surveys via e-mail and social media platforms. Among these, 489 responses were deemed suitable for analysis. The analysis used Smart PLS 3.2.9 and SPSS 27 to create a structural equation model.

The results demonstrate that the tourists’ behavioral intention to adopt m-wallets is highly influenced by performance expectancy and effort expectancy. The research findings contribute to the literature on mobile payments, cashless tourism and technology adoption in the tourism industry.

The study’s findings improve tourism sustainability, tourist satisfaction and cashless sustainable tourism approaches. In addition, they provide recommendations for cashless tourism promotion strategies to key stakeholders, including policymakers, m-wallet providers and tourism businesses.