This study investigates the impact of the Internet of Things (IoT) on customer experience in tourism and examines whether customer education moderates this relationship. Using a descriptive-survey design, data was collected from 384 active tourists via a questionnaire. The sample size was determined by Cochran's formula, and convenience sampling was employed. Data were analyzed using SPSS and SmartPLS, employing descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling (SEM).Results confirm a significant positive effect of IoT on customer experience. IoT services—including smart accommodations, digital booking platforms, context-aware guides, and personalized recommendations—enhance efficiency, convenience, and perceived service quality. Furthermore, IoT adoption correlates with higher customer education, and education itself positively influences customer experience. However, the moderating role of customer education on the IoT–experience link was not supported, indicating IoT benefits are broadly accessible regardless of education level.For practitioners, the findings underscore the need to design intuitive IoT interfaces, provide targeted educational support for adoption, ensure strong data privacy, and invest in reliable technological infrastructure. Theoretically, this research integrates IoT, customer education, and experiential outcomes in tourism. Future studies should explore cultural, individual, and situational factors influencing IoT-driven tourism experiences.