A digital transformation approach in hospitality and tourism research

Abstract

Purpose Because of the COVID-19, the digital transformation of global hospitality and tourism speeds up. This paper aims to provide comprehensive frame of the digital transformation for further hospitality and tourism research. Design/methodology/approach Through conducting a critical review of the impact of COVID-19, the current situation about the application of digital technology and digital transformation in hospitality and travel, this study used a qualitative approach to present the viewpoints. Findings This research presents a theoretical research framework for the hospitality and tourism about digital transformation, including possible directions, contexts and methods. It highlights the importance of digital transformation, and further proposing specific research topics. Research limitations/implications This research brings valuable implications and guidance for future research from the aspects of key research streams, research context and methodological approaches in hospitality and tourism about digital transformation. Originality/value This paper supplies existing critical reviewed research through paying attention to the digital transformation approach in hospitality and tourism, providing research guidance technically to the industry of hotels and travel.

Digital innovations in tourism: the perceptions of stakeholders

“…Cheng et al . (2023) analysed digital technologies that met the requirements of Covid-19 (health, cleanliness, safety): artificial intelligence and robotics; big data; cloud computing; blockchain; virtual and augmented reality; mobile terminals and applications; the internet of Things; short-range wireless communication technology and collaborative technology.…”

“…In the middle of the pandemic, the prospects for tourism were uncertain, though tourism stakeholders were active in advocating for recovery strategies (Roxas et al, 2022). Cheng et al (2023) analysed digital technologies that met the requirements of Covid-19 (health, cleanliness, safety): artificial intelligence and robotics; big data; cloud computing; blockchain; virtual and augmented reality; mobile terminals and applications; the internet of Things; short-range wireless communication technology and collaborative technology. Further, Jayawardena (2022) posed the question: What innovations would enable the tourism and hospitality industry to re-build?…”

Do guests care more about hotel cleanliness during COVID-19? Understanding factors associated with cleanliness importance of hotel guests

“…In the digital era, eWOM has begun to further influence consumers' perceptions of quality and value (Cheng et al, 2023;Davari et al, 2022). Individuals can easily search for information from other consumers via online reviews before actual consumption (Cheng et al, 2023). A major metric of hotel quality is the average hotel rating on websites (Ye et al, 2009).…”

A buzzword, a phase or the next chapter for the Internet? The status and possibilities of the metaverse for tourism

“…Is “metaverse” a buzzword, a fad or what the Internet will become next? The COVID-19 has dramatically accelerated the embrace of technology-mediated services, facilitating the digital transformation of global hospitality and tourism (Cheng et al , 2023). With the gaming industry as one of the earliest adopters (Huggett, 2020), at present, the retail, restaurant, tourism, healthcare and education sectors have also become the main areas hosting metaverse applications.…”