TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS IN THE TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY POST-COVID

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the global tourism and hospitality industry,
causing national lockdowns and severely damaging the sector. To overcome these challenges, the hotel
industry has had to adopt technological innovations such as touchless check-ins, mobile room keys, contactless
payment systems, and app-based ordering, conference, and appointments. Moreover, advancements in
artificial intelligence and robotic technology have shown to be progressively helpful to hotel staff by
improving check-in and check-out experiences and delivering contactless services to guests. The rise of
‘contactless choices’ is expected to continue, with the use of robots to build ‘social distancing' and reduce the
quantity of staff that must come to work physically. In addition, digital marketing and branding, along with
AI-based software, apps, and technologies, are making their way into the tourism sector, and this trend is
expected to continue post-pandemic. The objective is to offer the highest level of protection and hygiene to
visitors while delivering a seamless and hassle-free experience. This paper explores the newly adopted
technological innovations by the tourism and hospitality industry, including QR codes, mobile room keys,
app-based ordering, and contactless payment systems, providing a safer environment for guests. Additionally,
the advancements in artificial intelligence and robotic technology are discussed, showing how they are
creating a contactless, comfortable, and efficient guest experience. Furthermore, the paper highlights the
importance of digital marketing and branding along with AI-based software, apps, and technologies, which
are expected to revolutionize the tourism industry post-pandemic.