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Tourism and Hospitality
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Data-Driven Insights in Tourism and Hospitality: Smart Technologies and Data...
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Data-Driven Insights in Tourism and Hospitality: Smart Technologies and Data Science

A special issue of Tourism and Hospitality (ISSN 2673-5768).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 11361

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Hak-Seon Kim

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Kyungsung University, Busan 48434, Republic of Korea
Interests: hospitality; service management; online review; food service
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Jue Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Global Studies, Kyungsung University, Busan 48434, Republic of Korea
Interests: organizational behavior; HRM; leadership; business ethics; research methods
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Je Eun Yoo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Global Studies, Kyungsung University, Busan 48434, Republic of Korea
Interests: marketing; consumer behavior; service management; choice complexity; sustainability

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue focuses on the transformative role of smart technologies and data science in shaping the future of the tourism and hospitality industries. As these sectors increasingly adopt digital innovations, data-driven insights are becoming crucial for enhancing customer experiences, optimizing operations, and driving sustainable growth. This issue invites contributions that explore the application of big data analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and IoT in tourism and hospitality. Topics of interest may include, but are not limited to, predictive modeling for demand forecasting, the personalization of services, smart destination management, and the impact of real-time data on decision-making processes. We encourage submissions that offer theoretical advancements, empirical research, and case studies that demonstrate the value of integrating smart technologies and data science in improving service quality, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction. By bringing together diverse perspectives from academia and industry, this Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how data-driven strategies can revolutionize the tourism and hospitality sectors.

Dr. Hak-Seon Kim
Dr. Jue Wang
Dr. Je Eun Yoo
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Tourism and Hospitality is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • smart tourism
  • data-driven decision making
  • machine learning applications
  • operational efficiency
  • Industry 4.0 in tourism
  • tourism and hospitality transformation
  • digital innovation in hospitality
  • AI and IoT in tourism and hospitality

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 447 KiB  
Article
Smart Cities and Affective-Symbolic Urbanism: A Dual Tourist/Resident Perspective
by Nikolaos Iason Koufodontis, Eleni Gaki and Stella Zounta
Tour. Hosp. 2025, 6(2), 116; https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp6020116 - 17 Jun 2025
Viewed by 337
Abstract
This study examines how individuals engage with smart city technologies (SCTs) through the dual roles of residents and tourists. Drawing on a new conceptual framework of affective-symbolic engagement, it explores not only adoption patterns but also users’ emotional responses and perceived inclusion. A [...] Read more.
This study examines how individuals engage with smart city technologies (SCTs) through the dual roles of residents and tourists. Drawing on a new conceptual framework of affective-symbolic engagement, it explores not only adoption patterns but also users’ emotional responses and perceived inclusion. A quantitative analysis of 194 respondents reveals that while adoption rates are similar across roles, residents and tourists differ in usage routines, usability experiences, and sensitivity to symbolic cues. Tourists report more interface challenges and rely on third-party sources, while residents engage more with civic platforms. Age predicts usability barriers, but education does not significantly affect engagement. Emotional comfort and symbolic belonging are shaped less by demographic background and more by situational role and perceived design inclusivity. The findings extend smart city theory by incorporating role-sensitive, affective, and symbolic dimensions of digital engagement and support policies aimed at inclusive, human-centered urban technologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Data-Driven Insights in Tourism and Hospitality: Smart Technologies and Data Science)
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29 pages, 1472 KiB  
Article
Customer Behaviour in Response to Disaster Announcements: A Big Data Analysis of Digital Marketing in Hospitality
by Dimitrios P. Reklitis, Marina C. Terzi, Damianos P. Sakas and Christina Konstantinidou Konstantopoulou
Tour. Hosp. 2025, 6(2), 112; https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp6020112 - 13 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1496
Abstract
In today’s hyperconnected world, disaster announcements—regardless of actual impact—can significantly shape consumer behaviour and brand perception in the hospitality sector. This study investigates how customers respond online to disaster-related signals, focusing on digital marketing activities by luxury hotels in Santorini, Greece. Drawing on [...] Read more.
In today’s hyperconnected world, disaster announcements—regardless of actual impact—can significantly shape consumer behaviour and brand perception in the hospitality sector. This study investigates how customers respond online to disaster-related signals, focusing on digital marketing activities by luxury hotels in Santorini, Greece. Drawing on a case study of the Santorini Earthquake in February 2025—during which the Greek government declared a state of emergency—we use big data analytics, including web traffic metrics, social media interaction and fuzzy cognitive mapping, to analyse behavioural shifts across platforms. The findings indicate that disaster signals trigger increased engagement, altered sentiment and changes in advertising efficiency. This study provides actionable recommendations for tourism destinations and hospitality brands on how to adapt digital strategies during crisis periods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Data-Driven Insights in Tourism and Hospitality: Smart Technologies and Data Science)
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21 pages, 401 KiB  
Article
Heritage Management Models for Sustainable Community Tourism Development
by Aušra Liorančaitė-Šukienė and Virginija Jurėnienė
Tour. Hosp. 2025, 6(2), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp6020111 - 9 Jun 2025
Viewed by 699
Abstract
Cultural heritage plays a critical role in sustaining community identity, particularly in the face of global economic and cultural shifts. This study explores models of heritage management, focusing on community-based tourism (CBT) as a vehicle for sustainable development. Using qualitative interviews with Lithuanian [...] Read more.
Cultural heritage plays a critical role in sustaining community identity, particularly in the face of global economic and cultural shifts. This study explores models of heritage management, focusing on community-based tourism (CBT) as a vehicle for sustainable development. Using qualitative interviews with Lithuanian community representatives and a comparative analysis of global frameworks such as the AHC, ANZECC, and EU models, the paper highlights the importance of community engagement, grassroots initiatives, and collaborative governance. Findings reveal that while community-driven efforts can preserve cultural heritage and stimulate local economies, challenges such as limited funding, regulatory barriers, and stakeholder conflicts persist. Recommendations include formalizing organizational structures, leveraging international best practices, and fostering stronger community–government partnerships to balance cultural preservation and economic benefits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Data-Driven Insights in Tourism and Hospitality: Smart Technologies and Data Science)
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19 pages, 861 KiB  
Article
Phase-Adaptive Federated Learning for Privacy-Preserving Personalized Travel Itinerary Generation
by Xiaolong Chen, Hongfeng Zhang and Cora Un In Wong
Tour. Hosp. 2025, 6(2), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp6020100 - 2 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 553
Abstract
We propose Phase-Adaptive Federated Learning (PAFL), a novel framework for privacy-preserving personalized travel itinerary generation that dynamically balances privacy and utility through a phase-dependent aggregation mechanism inspired by phase-change materials. (1) PAFL’s primary objective is to dynamically optimize the privacy–utility trade-off in federated [...] Read more.
We propose Phase-Adaptive Federated Learning (PAFL), a novel framework for privacy-preserving personalized travel itinerary generation that dynamically balances privacy and utility through a phase-dependent aggregation mechanism inspired by phase-change materials. (1) PAFL’s primary objective is to dynamically optimize the privacy–utility trade-off in federated travel recommendation systems through phase-adaptive anonymization. The phase parameter φ ∈ [0, 1] operates as a tunable control variable that continuously adjusts the latent space geometry between differentially private (φ→1) and utility-optimized (φ→0) representations via a thermodynamic-inspired transformation. Conventional federated learning approaches often rely on static privacy-preserving techniques, which either degrade recommendation quality or inadequately protect sensitive user data; PAFL addresses this limitation through three key innovations: a latent-space phase transformer, a differential privacy-gradient inverter with mathematically provable reconstruction bounds (εt ≤ 1.0), and a lightweight sequential transformer. (2) PAFL’s core innovation lies in its phase-adaptive mechanism that dynamically balances privacy preservation through differential privacy and utility maintenance via gradient inversion, governed by the tunable phase parameter φ. Experimental results demonstrate statistically significant improvements, with 18.7% higher HR@10 (p < 0.01) and 62% lower membership inference risk compared to state-of-the-art methods, while maintaining εtotal < 2.3 over 100 training rounds. The framework advances federated learning for sensitive recommendation tasks by establishing a new paradigm for adaptive privacy–utility optimization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Data-Driven Insights in Tourism and Hospitality: Smart Technologies and Data Science)
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13 pages, 604 KiB  
Article
Transformative Transdisciplinary Approaches to Digitalisation in the Tourism Supply Network: Enhancing Resilience and Collaboration in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal
by Portia Pearl Siyanda Sifolo
Tour. Hosp. 2025, 6(2), 95; https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp6020095 - 22 May 2025
Viewed by 677
Abstract
Stakeholder fragmentation in transdisciplinary research often impedes innovation in South Africa’s tourism sector. The real-time supply network for MSMEs in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal struggles with digital adoption, limiting its resilience despite rising demand in the digital economy. This study examined how a transdisciplinary [...] Read more.
Stakeholder fragmentation in transdisciplinary research often impedes innovation in South Africa’s tourism sector. The real-time supply network for MSMEs in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal struggles with digital adoption, limiting its resilience despite rising demand in the digital economy. This study examined how a transdisciplinary approach can enhance the Tourism Supply Chain Network in these regions—an urban hub (Gauteng) and a coastal cultural destination (KwaZulu-Natal)—to unlock their potential. Employing action research, this study engaged stakeholders (tourism operators, tech developers, and communities) to co-create data-driven digital solutions, including a real-time supply network. The collected data included both qualitative insights from workshops and interviews, as well as quantitative metrics such as platform usage and tourist engagement, which were analysed using descriptive statistics. Innovative technologies improved the supply chain efficiency, cutting coordination delays by 25% in Gauteng and boosting rural tourism visibility in KwaZulu-Natal, with a 30% increase in bookings. Gauteng saw urban connectivity gains, while KwaZulu-Natal achieved inclusive growth. This study provides a scalable, data-driven framework for digitalisation in tourism supply networks, offering practical strategies for stakeholders. It advances innovative technologies in emerging markets, emphasising the transformative potential of transdisciplinary collaboration to build resilient, collaborative tourism ecosystems in South Africa. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Data-Driven Insights in Tourism and Hospitality: Smart Technologies and Data Science)
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23 pages, 550 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Factors Influencing Digital Transformation of Tourism Villages: Evidence from Bogor, Indonesia
by Isbandriyati Mutmainah, Iis Anisa Yulia, Foni Agus Setiawan, Aditya Sugih Setiawan, Immas Nurhayati, Bambang Hengky Rainanto, Sri Harini and Endri Endri
Tour. Hosp. 2025, 6(2), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp6020057 - 28 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1672
Abstract
This study examines the main determinants influencing the commitment of tourism village managers and business stakeholders to implement digital transformation. It will test the impact of perceived benefits, attitudes towards change, consumer behavior change, and the technological context on the intentions and commitments [...] Read more.
This study examines the main determinants influencing the commitment of tourism village managers and business stakeholders to implement digital transformation. It will test the impact of perceived benefits, attitudes towards change, consumer behavior change, and the technological context on the intentions and commitments of tourism village managers and enterprises in Bogor Regency, Indonesia. The Causal Step multiple linear regression analysis examined 146 respondents selected through saturated sampling. The findings indicated that attitudes towards change, consumer behavior change, and the technological context significantly influenced the commitment to implement a digital transformation, mediated by the intention to implement digital transformation. The intention to implement digital transformation became a perfect part of the technological context of the commitment to implement digital transformation. It became a partial mediator of the influence of digital attitudes towards change and consumer behavior change on the commitment to implement transformation. Perceived benefits only directly affected the commitment to implement digital transformation. This research has at least two novelties, conceptual and contextual novelties. Conceptual novelty is studied in digital transformation, focusing on tourism villages. The contextual novelty is that the findings offer a more thorough understanding of the conditions and stages of technological transformation embraced by stakeholders and managers of tourism villages. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Data-Driven Insights in Tourism and Hospitality: Smart Technologies and Data Science)
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14 pages, 1380 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Tourist Satisfaction on Komodo Island: A Data-Driven Analysis of Online Reviews
by Aura Lydia Riswanto, Laleesha Angelee Chamberlain and Hak-Seon Kim
Tour. Hosp. 2025, 6(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp6010002 - 3 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1489
Abstract
This study examines the role of Komodo Island in boosting Indonesia’s status as a leading global tourism destination, emphasizing the importance of balancing environmental preservation with visitor satisfaction for sustainable growth. By conducting a comprehensive analysis of online reviews from Google Travel, this [...] Read more.
This study examines the role of Komodo Island in boosting Indonesia’s status as a leading global tourism destination, emphasizing the importance of balancing environmental preservation with visitor satisfaction for sustainable growth. By conducting a comprehensive analysis of online reviews from Google Travel, this study identifies key factors that shape tourists’ experiences on Komodo Island. Specifically, the objectives are to uncover the primary drivers of visitor satisfaction and offer practical recommendations for tourism operators and policymakers. Using text mining and semantic network analysis through RStudio and UCINET 6.0 to analyze word associations, alongside exploratory factor analysis and linear regression in SPSS 29, this study focuses on aspects such as “Value for Money” and “Service Quality”. The results show that natural attractions greatly enhance visitor satisfaction, whereas high expenses and inconsistent service quality are sources of dissatisfaction. These insights highlight the importance of revisiting pricing approaches and enhancing training for frontline staff. The study’s recommendations for sustainable tourism on Komodo Island center on recalibrating pricing and improving service quality, fostering a memorable experience for visitors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Data-Driven Insights in Tourism and Hospitality: Smart Technologies and Data Science)
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16 pages, 1755 KiB  
Article
A Mixed-Method Approach to Grounded Theory Regarding the MICE Industry at Busan Exhibition & Convention Center
by Seieun Kim, Angellie Williady, Jue Wang and Hak-Seon Kim
Tour. Hosp. 2024, 5(4), 1012-1027; https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp5040057 - 25 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2405
Abstract
The MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) industry plays a crucial role in driving the rapid growth of the local economy, and Busan is emerging as a significant MICE destination in Asia. This study uses online customer reviews to acquire a more in-depth [...] Read more.
The MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) industry plays a crucial role in driving the rapid growth of the local economy, and Busan is emerging as a significant MICE destination in Asia. This study uses online customer reviews to acquire a more in-depth insight into BEXCO (Busan Exhibition & Convention Center)’s customer experiences and satisfaction levels. A meticulously curated dataset of 2339 Google Maps reviews was assembled using the Outscraper tool. KH Coder 3 software was employed for a comprehensive analysis, including word frequency and co-occurrence analysis. The co-occurrence analysis revealed three prominent clusters of keywords: ‘MICE’ (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), ‘Facility’, and ‘Environment’. This study also conducted exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and identified six factors that play a significant role in shaping customer experiences at BEXCO. Using these six factors, this study performed regression analysis to determine their impact on customer satisfaction. The results show that Food and Beverage, Venue, Event Space, and Parking Facilities significantly affect customer satisfaction. This research aims to bridge existing knowledge gaps, offering valuable insights that can contribute to the strategic development and enhancement of BEXCO’s offerings, thereby influencing the overall impact on the MICE sector in Busan. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Data-Driven Insights in Tourism and Hospitality: Smart Technologies and Data Science)
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20 pages, 677 KiB  
Systematic Review
New Health and Safety Technologies in Hotel Restaurants in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review
by Elpida Roussakou and Vilelmine Carayanni
Tour. Hosp. 2025, 6(2), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp6020098 - 26 May 2025
Viewed by 881
Abstract
The end of the pandemic has been officially declared; however, the requirement to ensure hygienic living conditions in tourist accommodations remains a top priority for all hotel establishments and a prerequisite for every customer. Our systematic review studied the level of effectiveness of [...] Read more.
The end of the pandemic has been officially declared; however, the requirement to ensure hygienic living conditions in tourist accommodations remains a top priority for all hotel establishments and a prerequisite for every customer. Our systematic review studied the level of effectiveness of existing technological means and practices in order to limit COVID-19 infections and to protect customers from other factors aggravating their health, focusing on hotel restaurants. The PRISMA-S method was used. Database research (ABI/INFORM, ProQuest, Scopus EBSCO Business Source Premier, CBCA Business, Pubmed, and Embase) was undertaken between 6/2020 and 4/2024 with keywords comprising “hotels restaurants”, “health and safety”, “effectiveness/efficacy”, “primary analysis”, secondary analysis”, etc. In total, 1110 articles were initially identified, but eventually, 20 papers were selected comprising customer-level questionnaires, systematic reviews, and expert opinions/surveys. Different criteria were used for study assessment according to the type of study. So far, only a very limited number of studies have focused on the effectiveness of different health and safety measures in hotel restaurants. Even though the studies focusing on AI, robotics, and further technological means for enhancing customer satisfaction and the overall level of cleanliness are quite limited, the constant investment of hotels and restaurants in new technologies appears to be a one-way road. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Data-Driven Insights in Tourism and Hospitality: Smart Technologies and Data Science)
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