Smart Technologies Shaping the Future of the Hotel Industry in Developing Countries: A Post-Covid Review

Majlinda Godolja – University of Tirana, Faculty of Economy, Rruga Arben Broci 1 1001, Tiranë, Albania

Kozeta Sevrani – University of Tirana, Faculty of Economy, Rruga Arben Broci 1 1001, Tiranë, Albania

Denisa Millo – University of Tirana, Faculty of Economy, Rruga Arben Broci 1 1001, Tiranë, Albania

Abstract: This paper aims to identify the optimal smart technologies and AI-driven solutions for the hotel industry, with a particular emphasis on their contribution to the broader digital transformation of business operations. The research exam­ines the state of the art as of September 2024 using a mixed-methods approach, combining a systematic review and design thinking. The review spans studies from 2020 to 2024, characterized by rapid advancements in AI and smart technology, partly driven by the post-Covid digital transformation. The findings are related to a growing global demand for AI-powered smart technology solutions in the hotel industry, motivated by different reasons such as operational efficiency, customer experiences, and streamlined management processes. The adoption of these technologies in developing countries is affected by some specific economic, cultural, and regulatory factors and remains aligned with global digitalization trends. The study brings attention to continuing important concerns, such as data privacy and security, financial constraints, and cultural factors that affect technology acceptance and integration. These insights provide a foundation for examining the potential of integrating smart technologies within Albania’s hotel industry landscape.

8th International Scientific Conference on Recent Advances in Information Technology, Tourism, Economics, Management and Agriculture – ITEMA 2024 – Conference Proceedings, Hybrid (Zayed University, Dubai, UAE), October 24, 2024

ITEMA Conference Proceedings published by: Association of Economists and Managers of the Balkans – Belgrade, Serbia

ITEMA conference partners: Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Maribor, Slovenia; Faculty of Organization and Informatics, University of Zagreb, Varaždin; Faculty of Geography, University of Belgrade, Serbia; Institute of Marketing, Poznan University of Economics and Business, Poland; Faculty of Agriculture, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine ”King Michael I of Romania”, Romania

ITEMA Conference 2024 Conference Proceedings: ISBN 978-86-80194-89-9, ISSN 2683-5991, DOI: https://doi.org/10.31410/ITEMA.2024

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