USING INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES TO REDUCE HEALTH RISK AND RESTORE TRAVELERS’ CONFIDENCE

Abstract

During last year tourism and hospitality industry recorded significant losses due to the Covid-19 pandemics. One of the reasons is that indoor activities have been recognized as one of the main contributor to virus spread. Innovative technologies can play a key role in reducing indoor interaction between guests and staff, keeping social distancing, and providing a high level of cleaning standards. This research aimed to examine whether the implementation of innovative technologies may influence customers’ perception of health risk and whether their implementation in hotels may lead to greater travelers’ confidence in the COVID-19 era. An experimental study was conducted using online customer samples. The purposed questionnaire was developed based on preventive measures taken by leading hotels and hotel chains. The sample includes 180 examinees between 20 and 54 years of age. The results indicate that the implementation of innovative technologies in reducing contact and enhancing cleanliness have a significant impact on customers’ perceived health risk and restoring travelers’ confidence.