DIGITALIZATION AND AI APPLICATIONS IN TOURISM

TOİ167

Course Code: TOİ167
Semester: -
Theory+Practice: 3 + 0
ECTS: 4

Course Type

Elective Course

Course Level

Associate Degree

Year of Study

Semester

ECTS

Name of Lecturer(s)

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, the students;

Explains the digital transformation processes in the tourism sector, basic IT concepts, and the impact of Industry 4.0/Society 5.0 approaches on accommodation enterprises.
Analyzes smart automation systems, internet of things (IoT), and cloud computing technologies used in tourism operations to improve the guest experience.
Develops personalized service delivery and data-driven decision-making processes by using artificial intelligence (AI)-based chatbots, virtual assistants, and machine learning algorithms.
DComplies with data privacy (GDPR) and cybersecurity ethics principles while evaluating the role of digital marketing, augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR), and metaverse applications in destination promotion.
Produces AI-supported innovative solutions in crisis management, operational efficiency, and sustainability by following technological developments in the sector with the principle of lifelong learning.

Mode of Delivery

Face to face

Prerequisites

Recommended Optional Programme Components

None

Course Description

This course analytically addresses how disruptive technologies such as Big Data, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are reshaping the tourism ecosystem. Smart destinations, predictive algorithms, and the sectoral integration of automation technologies are examined. Through the course learning outcomes, students obtain the skills to monitor technological trends with a lifelong learning vision and to analytically incorporate domain-specific advanced information technologies into operations.

Course Contents

WEEK	TOPICS
1^st Week	Digital Transformation in Tourism: Industry 4.0 and Society 5.0
2^nd Week	Automation and Cloud Computing Systems in Accommodation Enterprises
3^rd Week	Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart Hotel Concepts
4^th Week	Introduction to AI and Main Application Areas in Tourism
5^th Week	Machine Learning, Big Data, and Analytics
6^th Week	AI-Powered Customer Relations: Chatbots and Virtual Assistants
7^th Week	AR/VR (Augmented/Virtual Reality) and Metaverse in Tourism Marketing
8^th Week	Midterm Exam
9^th Week	Digital Marketing, Search Engine (SEO) Algorithms, and Social Media
10^th Week	Blockchain and Smart Contracts in Tourism Operations
11^th Week	Cybersecurity, Data Privacy (GDPR/KVKK), and IT Ethics
12^th Week	AI in Revenue Management and Dynamic Pricing
13^th Week	Robotic Technologies, Contactless Services, and the Future Service Model
14^th Week	AI-Supported Solutions in Sustainability and Crisis Management

Recommended or Required Reading

Books:
Ivanov, S. (2023). Robots, Artificial Intelligence and Service Automation in Travel, Tourism and Hospitality. Emerald Publishing.
Xiang, Z., Fuchs, M., Gretzel, U., & Höpken, W. (Eds.). (2022). Handbook of e-Tourism. Springer International Publishing.
Buhalis, D. (2022). Encyclopedia of Tourism Management and Marketing. Edward Elgar Publishing.
Yolal, M., & Emekli, G. (Eds.). (2023). Turizm 5.0: Teknolojik Dönüşüm ve Gelecek. Detay Yayıncılık.
Çelik, P., & Topsakal, Y. (2022). Akıllı Turizm: Kavramlar ve Uygulamalar. Nobel Akademik Yayıncılık.
Demir, M. (2021). Turizmde Dijitalleşme ve Yapay Zeka. Grafiker Yayınları.
Articles:
Buhalis, D., & Moldavska, I. (2022). Voice assistants in hospitality: Using artificial intelligence for customer service. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology, 13(3), 386-403.
Dogru, T., Mody, M., & Leonardi, C. (2021). Blockchain technology & its implications for the hospitality industry. Boston University Hospitality Review.
Samara, D., Magnisalis, I., & Peristeras, V. (2020). Artificial intelligence and big data in tourism: A systematic literature review. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology.
Eren, D., & Akyurt, H. (2022). Turizmde yapay zeka kullanımı: Literatür üzerine bir inceleme. Türk Turizm Araştırmaları Dergisi, 6(2), 345-362.
Kılıç, B., & Aslan, Z. (2021). Otel işletmelerinde hizmet robotları kullanımının müşteri kabulüne etkisi. Anatolia: Turizm Araştırmaları Dergisi, 32(1), 85-94.

Online Resources:
UNWTO. (2024). Digital Transformation in Tourism. World Tourism Organization. https://www.unwto.org/digital-transformation
Phocuswright. (2024). Travel Technology Trends & Analysis. https://www.phocuswright.com/
TÜRSAB. (2024). Turizmde Dijitalleşme Raporları. Türkiye Seyahat Acentaları Birliği. https://www.tursab.org.tr

Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods

Lecture
Discussion
Questions/Answers
Case Study
Presentation

Assessment Methods and Criteria

	Quantity	Percentage (%)
Mid-term	1	40
Assignment	1	10
Total(%)		50
Contribution of In-term Studies to Overall Grade(%)		50
Contribution of Final Examination to Overall Grade(%)		50
Total(%)		100

ECTS Allocated Based on Student Workload

Activities	Quantity	Duration (Hour)	Total Workload (Hour)
Midterm exam	1	1	1
Preparation for Quiz
Individual or group work	14	3	42
Preparation for Final exam	1	17	17
Course hours	14	3	42
Preparation for Midterm exam	1	17	17
Laboratory (including preparation)
Final exam	1	1	1
Homework
Total Work Load			120
Total Work Load / 30 (h)			4
ECTS Credit of the Course			4

Language of Instruction

Turkish

Work Placement(s)

Programme Qualifications / Learning Outcomes

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