Current Understanding, Motivations, and Barriers Towards Implementing Sustainable Initiatives in the Hospitality Industry in the Age of Automation and Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

Background:: Sustainability concerns are rapidly being acknowledged as a key concern for hospitality sectors worldwide. Sustainable initiatives immediately contribute to improved organizational performance in terms of utility consumption, waste management, and regulatory compliance, resulting in cost-effectiveness and competitive advantage through distinctiveness. Objective:: The purpose of the study is to analyze and summarize the motivations, indicators, and barriers towards applications of sustainable initiatives and modern technologies in the hospitality industry using the existing literature to develop a current understanding of the subject and know the way the current industry is thinking about it. Method:: This study is a combination of systematic and bibliometric review, where the systematic review was based on selected articles from reputed journal databases, and the bibliometric review was conducted using VOS viewer and web of science database for a period of 20 years (2002- 2022) Seven research questions were framed and answered for the systematic review. Result:: By describing the motivations, barriers, and impacts of implementing sustainability initiatives and cutting-edge technologies like AI and machine learning in the hospitality sector, the study helps practitioners and academics understand its present state for robust research. The current condition of such implantations in the hospitality sector is also discussed. Conclusion:: This study adds value by shedding light on the perspective of sustainability in the hospitality industry by considering the recommendations and practical advice for hotel management suggested in the existing literature about the application of current sustainability innovations and effective sustainability initiatives in hotel management.