Eco-Tourism and Sustainable Development

Transforming Smart Hospitality: Leveraging AI and IoT for Sustainable Tourism, Enhanced Guest Experience, and Cybersecurity Resilience

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63385/etsd.v1i1.87

Keywords:

Smart Hospitality, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Sustainable Tourism, Guest Experience, Hospitality Innovation

Abstract

The global hospitality sector is on track to hit an impressive $5.8 trillion by 2027, underscoring the growing necessity for digital transformation particularly through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). This research undertakes a detailed analysis, drawing on secondary data from more than 500 traveller surveys and ten well-documented case studies spanning Japan, the UAE, and parts of Scandinavia. Contrary to alarmist narratives about technological disruption, the evidence highlights a constructive evolution: AI-driven personalization and IoT-enabled automation are demonstrably enhancing guest experiences. The data indicates a 50% increase in guest satisfaction and energy savings reaching 30%. Nonetheless, automation has only marginally reduced staff workload, with a recorded decrease of around 2%. Significantly, the study brings to light considerable cybersecurity concerns, especially pronounced in developing regions where outdated IT systems and weak infrastructure jeopardize data integrity and operational reliability. While the most robust examples come from technologically advanced economies, the broader implications are clear: the industry must adopt adaptable, context-aware frameworks that balance the drive for innovation with environmental stewardship and stringent data security standards. The synthesis of global best practices in this analysis culminates in a comprehensive organizational blueprint, intended to guide hospitality leaders in responsible AI and IoT adoptions supporting sustainable tourism, operational resilience, and the ongoing trust of guests.

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Transforming Smart Hospitality: Leveraging AI and IoT for Sustainable Tourism, Enhanced Guest Experience, and Cybersecurity Resilience. (2025). Eco-Tourism and Sustainable Development, 1(1), 14–26. https://doi.org/10.63385/etsd.v1i1.87