Themed editorial: The impact and usage of automation and AI in the hospitality and tourism industry

Themed editorial: The impact and usage of automation and AI in the hospitality and tourism industryThe hospitality and tourism industry is at a critical juncture, as automation and AI are ready to redefine service paradigms, operational efficiency, customer experiences and competitive strategies.This thematic issue focuses on a current and relevant topic, examining recent progress, practical uses and emerging patterns that are impacting the industry globally.The primary objective of this issue is to thoroughly investigate the profound and extensive influence of automation and AI on the industry.This particular edition is notable for its concentrated examination of the profound impacts of automation and AI in the hospitality and tourism sector.Unlike more general discussions about technology in business, this focuses specifically on AI-driven innovations, operational changes and the resulting changes in consumer behavior and industry standards.It is aimed at offering new and unique perspectives on how automation and AI transform service delivery, management practices and strategic decision-making in a sector known for its strong customer orientation and dependence on human interaction. Hale €Ozgit and Ali € Ozt€ uren Corresponding Editors, WHATTThe impact and usage of automation and AI in the hospitality and tourism industry It encapsulates the transformative impact of automation and AI in the tourism and hospitality industry, highlighting the juxtaposition of enhanced operational efficiency against employment security concerns.It emphasizes the need for ethical governance to address AI's ethical dilemmas and security vulnerabilities.The exploration of consumer attitudes towards AI, particularly in service robots and facial emotion recognition technologies, is deemed crucial for leveraging AI's full potential in service delivery.Furthermore, AI's entry into gastronomy prompts a reevaluation of traditional culinary practices, advocating for a balance between technological innovation and the preservation of cultural heritage.The first paper explores the detrimental effects of AI on the tourism industry, specifically examining the consequences for employees in the sector.The second paper performs a bibliometric analysis of using AI in transportation systems.This analysis uncovers patterns, contributions from different countries, significant terms, prominent authors and organizations involved in this field.The third paper systematically reviews articles about service robots in the restaurant industry, with a specific emphasis on AI applications.The fourth paper performs a thematic content analysis on utilizing facial emotion recognition (FER) in the hospitality and tourism sector, examining 45 publications from the Scopus database.The fifth paper examines the incorporation of robots in the tourism industry using the Technology Acceptance Model based on publications from the Web of Science database.The sixth paper explores the development of gastronomy in connection with the emergence of intelligent cooking technologies.The seventh paper presents a bibliometric analysis of AI research in the tourism and hospitality industry, emphasizing the recent popularity and surge of scholarly activity.The eighth paper assesses the progress and competitiveness of the top 20 tourist destinations regarding AI development.