A systematic review of AI technology-based service encounters: Implications for hospitality and tourism operations

The hospitality and tourism industry faces serious challenges during public health emergencies such as COVID19. Managers are concerned not only about how to maintain business and provide humanized services but also about social distancing. This study presented artificial intelligence (AI) technology-based service encounters as a possible solution and examined the antecedents and consequences of the encounter triad including customers, employees, and AI. Based on a systematic literature review, the study identified 4 modes of AI technology-based service encounters: AI-supplemented, AI-generated, AI-mediated, and AI-facilitated encounters. In addition, the study developed an integrated model to specify the factors that influence AI technology-infused service encounters in general and the customer service outcomes that result from the encounters. The findings contribute to service management and AI application theoretically and practically.

Automated summary

This study explores how the hospitality and tourism industry can handle challenges during public health emergencies like COVID19, proposing AI technology-based service encounters as a possible solution. The research identifies four modes of AI technology-based service encounters and develops an integrated model to specify the factors influencing these encounters and the resulting customer service outcomes, contributing significantly to service management and AI application.