The implications of generative artificial intelligence in academic research and higher education in tourism and hospitality

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to critically review the effect of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) tools on higher education and research in the tourism and hospitality (TH) field. This manuscript identifies capabilities and implications of these GAI applications through a theoretical lens. GAI adoption in TH education can facilitate personalized learning experiences, enhance the technological competence of students, and foster a more diverse and inclusive learning environment. For academic research, GAI-enabled technologies may revolutionize data collection, analysis, and writing in a myriad of ways. However, there are multiple ethical and legal concerns associated with adoption that must be considered. At the end of this paper, we propose ten discussion questions aimed at stimulating conversation about adoption of GAI tools in TH education and research.