Evaluation of Smart Tourism Tools and Applications in Hospitality Businesses: A Study in Sakarya Province

Abstract

In this research, it is aimed to determine the perspectives of accommodation businesses on the concept of smart hotel. The sub-objectives of this research are to determine the positive and negative effects of smart hotel applications on accommodation businesses and to determine the smart applications used in 4- and 5-star accommodation businesses operating in Sakarya province. The sample of the research consists of 4- and 5-star accommodation establishments in Sakarya province. In the selection of 4 and 5-star hotels, purposive sampling technique was used. This technique was used because it is beneficial for the research. The data were obtained from hotel managers and employees through semi-structured interviews. MAXQDA program was used to analyze the data. Within the scope of the findings obtained from the research data, it is understood that smart tourism tools and applications are not widely used in accommodation businesses. The reason for this is the high cost. According to the interviews, it is predicted that accommodation establishments will make changes in the near future.