What Should Robots Do? A Comparative Analysis of Industry Professionals, Educators and Tourists

In Pesonen, J. & Neidhardt, J. (Eds.) Information and Communication Technologies in Tourism 2019, Proceedings of the International Conference in Nicosia, Cyprus, 30.01-01.02.2019, pp. 249-262

12 Pages Posted: 7 Jan 2019

See all articles by Stanislav Hristov Ivanov

Stanislav Hristov Ivanov

Zangador; Zangador Research institute; Varna University of Management (VUM)

Craig Webster

Ball State University

Date Written: January 30, 2019

Abstract

While robots have been used extensively for many years in manufacturing, many robots are fairly new arrivals in tourism-related industries. This paper delves into how the general public and stakeholders in the travel, tourism and hospitality industries view the incorporation of robots into tourism-related industries. Based upon a sample of over 1,000 respondents to an international online survey, it analyses which tasks are deemed as most appropriate for being delegated to a robot. In addition, it segments the respondents to determine whether the professions of those responding view the delegation of tasks to robots differently. The results indicate that in general, the occupation of respondents did not seem to play a significant role in perceptions of which tasks are most appropriate for robots in tourism-related industries, although respondents employed in robotics seem to be more receptive towards robots, while tourism educators – more pessimistic.

Keywords: service robots, tourism, perceived appropriateness, service automation, robonomics

Suggested Citation

Ivanov, Stanislav Hristov and Ivanov, Stanislav Hristov and Webster, Craig, What Should Robots Do? A Comparative Analysis of Industry Professionals, Educators and Tourists (January 30, 2019). In Pesonen, J. & Neidhardt, J. (Eds.) Information and Communication Technologies in Tourism 2019, Proceedings of the International Conference in Nicosia, Cyprus, 30.01-01.02.2019, pp. 249-262, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3305681

Stanislav Hristov Ivanov (Contact Author)

Zangador ( email )

Varna, 9010
Bulgaria

HOME PAGE: http://www.zangador.eu

Zangador Research institute

Varna, 9010
Bulgaria

HOME PAGE: http://www.zangador.institute/

Varna University of Management (VUM) ( email )

13 Oborishte Street
Varna, 9000
Bulgaria
+359 898 680713 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://www.vumk.eu

Craig Webster

Ball State University ( email )

2000 W. University Avenue
Muncie, IN 47306
United States

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