Digital Evolution in Tourism Sector: Transition to Industry 5.0 and Integration of Smart Applications to Hotels in Edremit Gulf

Oguzhan Dulgaroglu and Seznur Avan
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Oguzhan Dulgaroglu: Balikesir University, Burhaniye Faculty of Applied Sciences, Department of Tourism Management, Balikesir, Türkiye
Seznur Avan: Balikesir University, Institute of Social Sciences, Department of Accommodation Management, Balikesir, Türkiye

Journal of Tourism, Sustainability and Well-being, 2026, vol. 14, issue 3, 177-196

Abstract: Industrial revolutions have transformed economic structures and societal lifestyles significantly. Industry 4.0 has brought digitalization, artificial intelligence, the internet of things, and automation technologies to business process es. On the other hand, Industry 5.0 emphasizes a human-centric approach by integrating human intelligence with technological systems. This study examines the transition of 4- and 5-star hotels in the Edremit Gulf from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0 and evaluates the effects of smart applications on hotel operations. Semi-structured interviews have been conducted with hotel managers in the study. Data collected from hotel managers has been analyzed using content analysis technique. The findings show that smart applications enhance customer satisfaction and op erational efficiency, while AI-supported customer analytics reduce complaints and increase re-stay intentions. Man agers receiving in-house training adapt to digital transformation more effectively. Although digitalization improves service quality, reduced human interaction may weaken customer relationships. Overall, the study supports the human-centered transformation principles of Industry 5.0 and provides practical recommendations to help hotels achieve competitive advantage.

Keywords: Industry 5.0; Hotel Businesses; Smart Hotel Applications; Edremit Gulf (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L83 Z3 Z32 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ris:jspord:023668

DOI: 10.34623/3evr-gd30

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