This report presents part of the results of the first global study on customers’ perceptions on robots in travel, tourism, and hospitality implemented by the authors in 2018-2019. Specifically, the report presents the methodology of the research and elaborates on the key results regarding the activities that customers perceive as appropriate for robotisation, their preferences to be served by robots, and their willingness-to-pay for robot-delivered services. Finally, the report provides recommendations to travel, tourism, and hospitality companies how to implement successfully robotic technologies in their operations.

This book envisions the future of tourism in an economy that is largely automated. ‘Robonomics’ is the term given to this economic system that relies on robots, artificial intelligence and automation technologies for the production of goods and delivery of services instead of human labour. The volume examines the unique technological, socioeconomic and political situation that such an economy will create, and reflects on how tourism is then produced, consumed and paid for. The chapters explore some controversial solutions to the challenges of the robonomic economic system, such as redefinition of human rights, robot rights and universal basic income schemes. The chapters also consider the transition to a robonomic tourism ecosystem and the adjustments and innovations that will be required of consumers, industry and society.

The report focuses on some of the digital technologies in tourism and hospitality, namely: digital displays, kiosks, mobile applications, smart appliances, intelligent automation, chatbots, biometric technologies, voice-controlled virtual assistants, virtual and augmented reality, drones, robots, and the internet of things. It discusses the scope of technologies and the areas of their application. ✓ From the perspective of tourists, it looks at technologies they could use during the pre-trip, trip and port-trip stages of their travel. ✓ From the perspective of tourism and hospitality companies, it looks at technologies that could be incorporated into the four functional areas of the companies (operations, human resource management, marketing, and finance) and outlines the role of technology in each of them. ✓ The report critically evaluates the factors that determine the choice of a technological solution, namely technology-related, task-related, economic, company-related, customer-related, employee-related, partner-related, competitive, and macroenvironmental factors. ✓ Additionally, the report delves deeper into the specific digital technologies and discusses their characteristics, advantages, disadvantages and application in the tourism and hospitality context. ✓ Finally, a list of exhibitions on digital technologies for tourism and hospitality companies is provided to help managers in their investment decisions.

This open access book provides an extensive overview of the usage of information and communication technologies in the tourism and hospitality industry. It presents the proceedings of the International Federation for IT and Travel & Tourism (IFITT)’s 30th Annual International eTourism Conference, which assembles the latest research presented at the ENTER2023 conference. The enclosed papers cover various topics within the field, including augmented and virtual reality, website development, social media use, e-learning, big data, analytics and recommendation systems.

This Handbook provides a comprehensive overview of trends and issues in the global supply and demand on tourism. With contributions from 70 authors, this Handbook showcases a diverse range of perspectives with insights from around the globe. It reviews the interactions among trends and issues, and it emphasises the importance of tracking and interpreting these on a global scale. The book is organized into three parts, with Part I focusing on supply-side trends including transport, attractions, culture, heritage tourism, technology, policies, and destination management. Part II critically reviews the external factor trends, including the impact of terrorism, multi-crisis destinations, Generation Z’s important contributions to the sector, the regulation of sharing economy platforms and nature tourism in future. Part III focuses on market-led trends such as bleisure, glamping, VFR travel, transformational tourism and new trends in wellness tourism following the post-COVID era. The book also provides predictions for the upcoming decades. This Handbook will be a vital tool for researchers, students, and practitioners in the tourism and hospitality sector to further develop their knowledge and expertise in the field. It examines business and policy implications, offering guidance for developing sustainable competitive advantage.

The global tourism industry stands at a crossroads, facing unprecedented challenges that demand immediate attention. Despite its undeniable economic significance, the sector has weathered various crises, prompting a critical reevaluation of its traditional modus operandi. Decision-makers grapple with the urgent need for a transformative approach, questioning how best to navigate the complex web of issues threatening the industry's stability. The convergence of evolving tourist behaviors, uncertainties related to new trends, and the escalating pressure for sustainability creates a pressing need for collaborative, tech-driven strategies to reshape the future of tourism management. Social Media Strategies for Tourism Interactivity emerges as a pivotal resource in this tumultuous landscape. Within the pages of this book, a strategic guide unfolds for decision-makers seeking to thrive in the face of challenges. By delving into the current trends of cooperative competition among traditional micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (TSMEs), the book advocates for a transformative approach that leverages technological advancements and digitalization. It explores how these strategies can lead to more efficient resource utilization, rapid adaptation to changing tourism demands, and a sustainable balance that aligns with contemporary concerns. In the context of rapid change, this book becomes an essential tool, offering practical and visionary solutions for the substantial challenges of the tourism industry.

Tourism consumers are increasingly demanding and seek to base their travel decision-making process on relevant and credible tourism information. In recent years, user-generated content on social media, the opinion of travel bloggers, and entertainment programs in the media have influenced the public's travel purchasing behavior and acted as a driving force for the development of tourism products, such as film tourism. It also has played a role in the evolution and development of marketing, giving rise to new applications, as in the case of digital and influence marketing. On the other hand, tourism organizations and destination management organizations face major challenges in communicating the attributes of a tourism product, since this cannot be experienced before consumption. Thus, they need to know how and in which means or platforms of communication they can inform potential consumers. Impact of New Media in Tourism provides theoretical and practical contributions in tourism and communication including current research on the influence of new media and the active role of consumers in tourism. With a focus on decision making and increasing the visibility of products and destinations, the book provides support for tourism agencies and organizations around the world. Covering themes that include digital marketing, social media, and online branding, this book is essential for professionals, academicians, researchers, and students working or studying in the field of tourism and hospitality management, marketing, advertising, and media and communications.