Hotel Leaders’ Views on Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Directions
DOI
Abstract
This research explores the benefits, challenges, and impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) in the hotel industry. Utilizing a qualitative approach, the study examines how the industry has sought to advance technologically. Nine hotel and technology executives from across the United States participated in semi-structured interviews, discussing key topics about artificial intelligence, such as its implementation within hotel properties, effects on employees, and satisfaction with guests.
Participants emphasized several challenges, including the early-stage development of AI and the difficulties of integrating it into existing hotel systems. The findings suggest that, although artificial intelligence is set to play a significant role in the future of the hotel industry, its full impact on employees and guests has yet to be realized. Participants also emphasized the importance of employees embracing technology rather than fearing displacement.
The importance of preserving a human presence among employees and ensuring that automation does not alter the guest satisfaction experience is highlighted. Valuable insights into the intentions of hotel executives and the future direction of their establishments, such as the potential benefits artificial intelligence could bring for both executives and guests, are revealed, providing recommendations for successful integration.
Keywords
Downloads
References
1. Bornet, P., Barkin, I., & Wirtz, J. (2020, October). Intelligent Automation - Learn How to Harness Artificial Intelligence to Boost Business & Make Our World More Human. ResearchGate. https://www.scribd.com/document/510697048/Bornetetal-2021-IntelligentAutomation-Sampler
2. Bowen, J., & Morosan, C. (2018). Beware hospitality industry: the robots are coming. Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, 10(6), 726-733.
3. Editors, H. (2023, May 10). Spotlight interview: Michael O’Donnell, chairman and CEO of Relay Robotics. Spotlight Interview: Michael O’Donnell, Chairman and CEO of Relay Robotics |. https://hoteltechnologynews.com/2023/01/spotlight-interview-michael-odonnell-chairman-and-ceo-of-relay-robotics/
4. Epiknetworks, & Makadia, M. (2018, April 28). How artificial intelligence in hotels will impact the operational dynamics and customer experience. Inc42 Media. https://inc42.com/resources/how-artificial-intelligence-in-hotels-will-impact-the-operational-dynamics-and-customer-experience/
5. Francis, F. (2021, May 5). Robotics in hospitality: How will it impact guests? Social Tables. https://www.socialtables.com/blog/hospitality-technology/robotics-experience/
6. Ivanov, S. H., & Webster, C. (2017, July 26). Adoption of robots, Artificial Intelligence and service automation by travel, tourism, and hospitality companies – a cost-benefit analysis. SSRN. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3007577
7. Johnson, C. S., & Ogunnaike, D. K. (2020, January 8). Robots: Hotel customers like them (mostly)! Cornell SC Johnson. https://business.cornell.edu/hub/2018/03/22/robots-hotel-customers-like-them-mostly/
8. Krzak, R. (2023, April 20). The downside of AI technology in the Hospitality Industry. Gecko Hospitality. https://www.geckohospitality.com/2023/04/13/the-downside-of-ai-technology-in-the-hospitality-industry/
9. Li, S.-Q., Guo, W.-L., Liu, H., Wang, T., Zhou, Y.-Y., Yu, T., Wang, C.-Y., Yang, Y.-M., Zhong, N.-S., Zhang, N.-F., & Li, S.-Y. (2020, August 1). Clinical application of an intelligent oropharyngeal swab robot: Implication for the COVID-19 pandemic. European Respiratory Society. https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/56/2/2001912
10. Malone, C. (2024). Artificial intelligence in the hotel industry: The benefits and effects on corporations. Undergraduate Honors Thesis, University of Arkansas.
11. Peter, D. (2023, February 8). Role of AI in the hospitality industry - ET hospitality world. ETHospitalityWorld.com. https://hospitality.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/speaking-heads/role-of-ai-in-the-hospitality-industry/97718032
12. Reis, J., Melão, N., Salvadorinho, J., Soares, B., & Rosete, A. (2020). Service robots in the hospitality industry: The case of Henn-na hotel, Japan. Technology in Society, 63, 101423.
13. Seo, K. H., & Jee, H. L. (2021). The emergence of service robots at restaurants: Integrating trust, perceived risk, and satisfaction. Sustainability, 13(8), 4431.
14. WTM (Ed.). (2018, September 30). AI and automation to increase hotel revenues by 10%. Saudi gazette. https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/544514
15. Zhong, L., Zhang, X., Rong, J., Chan, H. K., Xiao, J., & Kong, H. (2021). Construction and empirical research on acceptance model of service robots applied in hotel industry. Industrial Management & Data Systems, 121(6), 1325-1352.
Similar Articles
-
Related research
Bridging Tradition and Technology: Ethical Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Preservation of Indigenous Knowledge in Fiji and the Pacific
International Journal of Social Sciences, Language and Linguistics Vol. 5 No. 10 (2025): Volume 05 Issue 10Read article -
Related research
Beyond Pedagogy: AI-Enabled Heutagogical Transformation in Fiji and Pacific Tertiary Education
International Journal of Social Sciences, Language and Linguistics Vol. 6 No. 03 (2026): Volume 06 Issue 03Read article -
Related research
Pedagogical Approaches for the Future: Preparing Learners for AI and Changing Labour Markets
International Journal of Social Sciences, Language and Linguistics Vol. 6 No. 05 (2026): Volume 06 Issue 05Read article -
Related research
Beyond Employability: Re-Examining the Purpose of Education in Preparing Young People for an Uncertain Future
International Journal of Social Sciences, Language and Linguistics Vol. 6 No. 01 (2026): Volume 06 Issue 01Read article -
Related research
Indigenous Knowledge, Colonial Legacies, and Intellectual Property Rights in Fiji and the Pacific: Reclaiming Ownership in Education and Research
International Journal of Social Sciences, Language and Linguistics Vol. 6 No. 06 (2026): Volume 06 Issue 06Read article -
Related research
Artificial Intelligence and Human Values in Contemporary Communities
International Journal of Social Sciences, Language and Linguistics Vol. 6 No. 09 (2026): Volume 06 Issue 09Read article -
Related research
If Knowledge Is Everywhere, Why Do We Need Schools? Reimagining Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence and Lifelong Learning
International Journal of Social Sciences, Language and Linguistics Vol. 6 No. 08 (2026): Volume 06 Issue 08Read article -
Related research
Artificial Intelligence Adoption in Procurement and Operational Performance of Manufacturing Firms
International Journal of Social Sciences, Language and Linguistics Vol. 6 No. 08 (2026): Volume 06 Issue 08Read article -
Related research
Artificial Intelligence in Education: Transforming Teaching, Learning, and Equity in the 21st Century
International Journal of Social Sciences, Language and Linguistics Vol. 5 No. 09 (2025): Volume 05 Issue 09Read article -
Related research
Advancing AI Integration in Higher Education: A Framework for Collaborative Leadership and Knowledge Cultivation
International Journal of Social Sciences, Language and Linguistics Vol. 1 No. 03 (2021): Volume 01 Issue 03Read article