Stanislav Ivanov, Stefano Duglio and Riccardo Beltramo
The purpose of this perspective paper is to investigate the role of robots in tourism’s contribution to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this perspective paper is to investigate the role of robots in tourism’s contribution to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Design/methodology/approach
With a deep analysis of the 17 SDGs and their 169 targets, the authors provide an interpretation on both the positive and negative impacts of robots in tourism towards the achievement of the SDG.
Findings
For several SDGs, the positive impact of robots in tourism is evident, whereas for others, it can be debated as the adoption of robots can lead to both positive and negative impacts, mostly dependent on how robots will be used. In particular, robots can provide a decent work environment for tourism and hospitality (TH) employees (SDG 8) who perform dangerous tasks while decreasing the consumption of resources (SDGs 2, 6, 7, 12, 13) due to their contribution to a company’s effectiveness and efficiency. In the meantime, robots have some impacts on the environment, both in terms of the use of resources (their manufacturing relies on rare Earth materials and robots are energy demanding) and output, especially for the management of toxic waste (e.g. batteries).
Research limitations/implications
The main limitation of this perspective paper is the lack of empirical measurement of the effects of robots in tourism on the achievement of the SDGs. However, it is a necessary exploration as a foundation for future research.
Practical implications
This perspective paper may be useful for robot manufacturers in identifying the positive and negative aspects of robots when designing sustainable robots (in terms of energy efficiency, management of the end-of-life of components, etc.) to conform to the expectations of the SDGs. It can be useful to TH companies when their managers evaluate whether to adopt robots in service operations or not.
Social implications
This contribution discusses the social implications in adopting robots in TH, specifically in terms of new opportunities for employment and in the substitution of humans in dirty, dull and dangerous tasks. It helps policymakers adopt the best policies for fostering the use of robots in TH with an eye to the environmental and social ramifications of robots.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this perspective paper is one of the first studies to investigate the role that robots can play in achieving the SDGs by TH companies.
目的
本文旨在研究机器人在旅游业对实现永续发展目标(SDGs)的贡献。
方法
从 17 个 SDGs及其 169 个目标深入分析后, 本文从正反两面向解释机器人在旅游业中对实现SDGs的影响。
结果
机器人总体对旅游是有正面影响的, 但对少数SDGs可能衍生负面影响。机器人可为执行高风险任务的员工(SDGs)提供安全的工作环境, 也能因其效率使公司减少资源消耗(SDGs 2、6、7、12、13)。但无论在资源使用(制造仰赖土料及能源)或废弃物 (例电池)的管理, 机器人对环境有一定的风险。
原创性
本文是少数研究机器人在旅游和酒店业实现SDGs所扮演的角色。
研究限制
本文缺乏旅游机器人对实现SDGs的实证测量, 但本研究可为未来研究奠定基础。
实践启示
据SDG设计机器人时, 本文从能源效率和组件报废等角度, 为制造商点出机器人的正反面影响。当经理需评估是否在服务中采用机器人时, 本文也可提供方向。
社会影响
本文在促进旅游和酒店业使用机器人的同时, 也讨论它们的社会影响, 特别是提供就业机会, 及代替高风险工作的员工。
Propósito
El propósito de este artículo de perspectiva es investigar el papel de los robots en la contribución del turismo al logro de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS).
Diseño/metodología/propuesta
Los autores aportan una interpretación sobre los impactos, tanto positivos como negativos de los robots en el turismo hacia el logro de los ODS sobre un profundo análisis de los 17 ODS y sus 169 metas.
Hallazgos
Para varios ODS, el impacto positivo de los robots en el turismo es evidente, mientras que para otros puede debatirse, ya que la adopción de robots puede generar impactos tanto positivos como negativos, dependiendo principalmente de cómo se utilicen. En particular, los robots pueden proporcionar un entorno de trabajo digno para los empleados de turismo y hostelería (ODS 8) que realizan tareas peligrosas, al tiempo que reducen el consumo de recursos (ODS 2, 6, 7, 12, 13) debido a su contribución a la eficacia y eficiencia de una empresa turística. De igual forma, los robots tienen algunos impactos en el medio ambiente, tanto en términos de uso de recursos (su fabricación se basa en materiales de tierras raras y los robots demandan energía) como de producción, especialmente para la gestión de desechos tóxicos (p. ej., baterías).
Originalidad
Este artículo de perspectiva es uno de los primeros estudios que investigan el papel que pueden desempeñar los robots en el logro de los ODS por parte de las empresas de turismo y hostelería.
Limitaciones/implicaciones de la investigación
La principal limitación de este artículo de perspectiva es la falta de medición empírica de los efectos de los robots en el turismo en el logro de los ODS. Sin embargo, es una exploración necesaria como base para futuras investigaciones.
Implicaciones prácticas
Este artículo de perspectiva puede ser útil para que los fabricantes de robots identifiquen los aspectos positivos y negativos al diseñar robots sostenibles (en términos de eficiencia energética, gestión del final de la vida útil de los componentes, etc.) y así cumplir con las expectativas de los ODS. Puede ser útil para las empresas de turismo y hostelería cuando sus gerentes evalúan, si adoptar o no robots en las operaciones de servicio
Implicaciones sociales
Esta contribución discute las implicaciones sociales en la adopción de robots en el turismo y la hostelería, específicamente en términos de nuevas oportunidades de empleo, y en la sustitución de humanos en tareas rutinarias, aburridas o peligrosas. Ayuda a los responsables políticos a adoptar mejores políticas para fomentar el uso de robots en el turismo y la hostelería teniendo en cuenta las ramificaciones ambientales y sociales de éstos.
Details
Keywords
Riccardo Beltramo, Alessandro Bonadonna, Stefano Duglio, Giovanni Peira and Enrica Vesce
This paper aims at assessing the role of authenticity of local food in contributing to tourism as an ecosystem service in a small mountain tourism destination, i.e. Alagna…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims at assessing the role of authenticity of local food in contributing to tourism as an ecosystem service in a small mountain tourism destination, i.e. Alagna Valsesia (North-West of Italy).
Design/methodology/approach
A mix method approach has been adopted. The research has been carried out by using both CAWI (Computer Assisted Web Interview) and PAPI (Paper And Pen Interview) methodologies for surveys on the accommodation facilities managers and tourists. In addition, an analysis of electronic word-of-mouth platforms (TripAdvisor and Google) was implemented to understand more in-depth the local foodservice.
Findings
Findings show that Alagna Valsesia embodies its authenticity with the tradition of the local culture, characterised by natural heritage and Walser uses. Some tools are identified to improve the attractiveness of the tourist destination.
Research limitations/implications
The main limitation of this study can be found in the study' application to a rather limited and geographically restricted area.
Practical implications
The results provided by this study can help local policy-makers in driving local policies and public funds in implementing ecotourism based practices.
Originality/value
Although the role of local food has been much studied in relation to the tourism sector, to the knowledge of the authors, this contribution represents a first attempt to analyse local food's role in terms of local food's crossover contribution to supporting cultural tourism.
Details
Keywords
Fachri Eka Saputra, Dimitrios Buhalis, Marcjanna M. Augustyn and Stefanos Marangos
Anthropomorphism plays a crucial role in the deployment of human-like robots in hospitality and tourism. This study aims to propose an anthropomorphism-based typology of…
Abstract
Purpose
Anthropomorphism plays a crucial role in the deployment of human-like robots in hospitality and tourism. This study aims to propose an anthropomorphism-based typology of artificial intelligence (AI) robots, based on robot attributes, usage, function and application across different operational levels.
Design/methodology/approach
Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) checklist, the research was conducted in two stages. A search strategy was implemented to explore anthropomorphism-based AI robots and to develop a robot typology.
Findings
This study provides a comprehensive typology of anthropomorphism-based AI robots used in tourism and hospitality and classifies them into four types, namely, chatbots, mechanoids, humanoids and android robots. Each type features distinct functions and applications.
Practical implications
The findings can assist companies in using anthropomorphic robots to improve service and strengthen competitiveness. This study offers valuable insights to managers for deploying AI robots across diverse service sectors.
Originality/value
This research provides a novel typology of hospitality and tourism AI robots and extends the understanding of anthropomorphism in human–robot interaction. This typology encompasses both virtual and physical robots, providing clarity on their attributes, usage, functions and applications across diverse areas of hospitality operations.
研究目的
拟人化在酒店和旅游业中的人类化机器人部署中起着至关重要的作用。本研究提出了基于拟人化的AI机器人分类学, 基于机器人的属性、使用、功能和在不同运营层面的应用。
研究方法
按照系统评价和荟萃分析(PRISMA)检查表, 研究分为两个阶段进行。实施了搜索策略, 探索基于拟人化的AI机器人, 并开发了机器人分类学。
研究发现
本研究提供了在旅游和酒店业中使用的基于拟人化的 AI 机器人的全面分类学, 并将它们分为四类, 即聊天机器人、机械机器人、人形机器人和仿生机器人。每种类型具有不同的功能和应用。
实践意义
研究结果可以帮助企业利用拟人化机器人提升服务水平, 增强竞争力。研究为管理者在各种服务领域部署 AI 机器人提供了宝贵的见解。
独创性/价值
本研究提供了一种新颖的酒店和旅游业 AI 机器人分类学, 并扩展了拟人化在人机交互中的理解。这种分类学涵盖了虚拟和实体机器人, 清晰地描述了它们在酒店业运营的各个领域中的属性、使用、功能。