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
The role of Career Counselling and Guidance in Supporting Students’ Career Decision-making in Tertiary Education
International Journal of Social Sciences, Language and Linguistics Vol. 6 No. 02 (2026): Volume 06 Issue 02Read article -
Related research
Digital Innovation, Psychological Empowerment, And Human Resource Capability as Determinants of Sme Performance in Southwestern Nigeria: A Socio-Technical Systems Approach
International Journal of Social Sciences, Language and Linguistics Vol. 6 No. 04 (2026): Volume 06 Issue 04Read article -
Related research
Immigration and Urban Vibrancy: Examining Quality of Life in U.S. Metropolitan Areas
International Journal of Social Sciences, Language and Linguistics Vol. 4 No. 10 (2024): Volume 04 Issue 10Read article -
Related research
Education at a Crossroads: Serving Policy or Shaping Possibility in an Uncertain Future
International Journal of Social Sciences, Language and Linguistics Vol. 6 No. 01 (2026): Volume 06 Issue 01Read article -
Related research
Self-Regulated Learning in Generative AI-Assisted Academic Writing: A Systematic Review of ESL/EFL University Students
International Journal of Social Sciences, Language and Linguistics Vol. 6 No. 09 (2026): Volume 06 Issue 09Read article -
Related research
Every Public Servant Was Once a student: Reimagining Education for Ethical Leadership, Public Service and Good Governance in Fiji and the Pacific
International Journal of Social Sciences, Language and Linguistics Vol. 6 No. 10 (2026): Volume 06 Issue 10Read article -
Related research
A Visualization Analysis of Research on Foreign Language Willingness to Communicate
International Journal of Social Sciences, Language and Linguistics Vol. 6 No. 10 (2026): Volume 06 Issue 10Read article -
Related research
Education on the Frontlines of Climate Change: Repositioning Education Systems in Pacific Island States.
International Journal of Social Sciences, Language and Linguistics Vol. 6 No. 04 (2026): Volume 06 Issue 04Read article -
Related research
Students' Level of Satisfaction on The Career Planning and Development Services of the University of Cebu-Main Campus
International Journal of Social Sciences, Language and Linguistics Vol. 6 No. 04 (2026): Volume 06 Issue 04Read article -
Related research
Bosnia And Herzegovina
International Journal of Social Sciences, Language and Linguistics Vol. 6 No. 07 (2026): Volume 06 Issue 07Read article