Research Paper

Robotics in Tourism and Sustainable Development: A Vision for the Future of Hospitality Industry

CS

Cipriana Sava

cipriana.sava@gmail.com

TD

Tiberiu-Gabriel Dragotă

Journal Information

Journal

The European Journal of Applied Economics

Volume / Issue

Vol. 23, No. 2 (2026)

Pages

161–171

Published

26 August 2026

DOI

10.5937/EJAE23-63155

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the integration of robotics in the tourism sector, focusing mainly on its contribution to facilitating sustainable development. It examines the growing application of robotic technology in hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions - from automated check-in/check-out services to robotic tour guides. The merits and potential of robotics for the tourism sector are analysed, with attention to key advantages such as resource efficiency, energy savings, and operational optimization, as well as major challenges including social acceptance, implementation costs, and workforce impact. Drawing on real-world cases and emerging trends, this paper provides a detailed review of how robotics can help make tourism more innovative, sustainable, and resilient, thereby supporting the shift toward more sustainable development.

Keywords

robotics in tourism; hospitality industry; sustainable development; service automation; tourism experience; eco-innovation.

Citation

Cipriana Sava, Tiberiu-Gabriel Dragotă (2026). Robotics in Tourism and Sustainable Development: A Vision for the Future of Hospitality Industry The European Journal of Applied Economics. 23(2) 161–171. DOI: 10.5937/EJAE23-63155