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http://dx.doi.org/10.52255/smarttourism.2021.1.3.4

Opportunities and Challenges of Utilizing Service Robots in Tourism Industry: A Tool for Recovery from COVID-19 Pandemic  

Omar Parvez, M. (Faculty of Tourism, Eastern Mediterranean University)
Cobanoglu, Cihan (Muma College of Business, University of South Florida)
Publication Information
Journal of Smart Tourism / v.1, no.3, 2021 , pp. 17-20 More about this Journal
Abstract
Technology and tourism have become inseparable, and technological innovations propose new services to the tourism industry. During the current pandemic, service robot usage has increased more than at any other time which comes with advantages and disadvantages. This paper discusses the opportunities and challenges of utilizing service robots in the service industry during and after the pandemic crisis. The study follows a content analysis methodology. Findings indicate that service robots are easy to access, offer an alternative form of communication, reduce costs and boost operational safety; in contrast, robotics increase unemployment and cause anxiety and depression among the demoralized employees.
Keywords
opportunities; challenges; tourism technological; service robots; unemployment; pandemic;
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