Editorial

Whaowhina te kete mātauranga Fill the basket of knowledge. Kia ora tatou, Welcome to our first special issue of Hospitality Insights on AI and robotics. As the whakataukī (Māori proverb) suggests, when people stop learning, they stop growing. Therefore, this focused issue is dedicated to exploring the introduction and growth of AI and robotics, which are both changing the world of hospitality exponentially. In keeping with the journal’s aims, industry and academia experts have come together to examine the impact of AI and robotics in the hospitality industry, critically evaluating applications in industry and debating the importance of the human touch. The issue begins with two opinion pieces, the first one is on the adoption of robots across restaurant operations and housekeeping in the JetPark Hotels group, as well as the implementation of new technologies in reservations and revenue management systems. The second opinion piece debates the use of AI in luxury hospitality and the need to balance efficiency with the human connection. The first research article explores how design, ease-of-use, and self-efficacy shape guest experiences in ‘smart’ hotel rooms. The second article highlights how AI is changing Aotearoa New Zealand’s food and beverage industry. And the last article examines the future of the hospitality workforce, discussing Al and its disruptive effects. We hope you enjoy reading this issue.