The hospitality and tourism industries are revolutionized by AI-powered personalization, enhancing guest experiences and boosting revenue. However, this advancement raises ethical concerns, notably around data privacy, transparency, guest consent, and potential algorithmic discrimination. This chapter discusses these issues, focusing on how algorithmic bias affects inclusivity in travel. It proposes mitigation strategies such as ethical frameworks, robust data security, and user control over personal information. Addressing bias through diverse datasets and human oversight is emphasized. The future of AI in hospitality requires balancing personalization with ethical considerations. Recommendations for stakeholders aim to ensure a responsible, sustainable future for AI-driven travel experiences.
Social media-induced tourism happens when a traveller visits a destination/attraction after being exposed to certain social media content. A user-generated content (UGC) provider, such as a social media influencer, has been identified as the initial motivator in social media-induced tourism. Social media influencers generate persuasive messages for their followers and are typically sources of credibility. In destination marketing and tourism destination studies, the UGC of social media influencers is significantly related to the destination image, destination brand, tourist trust, and tourist expectations. Of particular interest for Instagram influencers, this chapter proposes a conceptual framework to describe the role of the Instagram influencer in inducing his/her followers to travel and suggests a guide for future research.
1 January 2019 in International Journal of Tourism Anthropology
This study explores the involvement of Malaysian indigenous peoples (Orang Asli) at both the individual and community level to analyse the impact of tourism development on the economic and socio-cultural aspects of their communities. The study was conducted at two tourism sites, Bukit Tadom and Cameron Highlands. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 participants from the Orang Asli community and Orang Asli employees and management at the sites. Data were thematically analysed. Orang Asli communities recognised the opportunities that tourism development brings to their social and economic conditions, although it is not wholly beneficial. They also want to be actively involved in tourism planning. The study contributes to the development of indigenous peoples, especially in Malaysia, promoting a new perspective on long-term tourism development. It also highlights several new considerations that should be addressed by the authority in planning and managing tourism sites, especially in regard to community acceptance, involvement and demand for benefits.
Social media-induced tourism happens when a traveller visits a destination/attraction after being exposed to certain social media content. A user-generated content (UGC) provider, such as a social media influencer, has been identified as the initial motivator in social media-induced tourism. Social media influencers generate persuasive messages for their followers and are typically sources of credibility. In destination marketing and tourism destination studies, the UGC of social media influencers is significantly related to the destination image, destination brand, tourist trust, and tourist expectations. Of particular interest for Instagram influencers, this chapter proposes a conceptual framework to describe the role of the Instagram influencer in inducing his/her followers to travel and suggests a guide for future research.
Food allergy has been recognised by the World Health Organisation as a chronic disease that could lead to fatality. The symptoms can mediate from mild to severe consequences. Some cases have reported that food allergy sufferers are bullied and are discriminated at workplace, thus increasing their stress level, apart from facing difficulty in consuming certain food due to allergy. This has an adverse effect on the quality of life amongst food allergy sufferers. Medical bills are increased when food allergy sufferers become unknowingly exposed to food allergen. Hence, this study investigated food allergens among food allergy sufferers in order to make their lives better. A total of 250 respondents participated in an online survey. Surprisingly, apart from chicken, soybean and other food allergens that have been listed under the Big Eight Allergens, the respondents mentioned some fruits that could trigger allergic reactions, such as rambutans and watermelons. Food allergy sufferers can be allergic to seafood and seafood products as well, such as shrimp paste or locally known as belacan, which refers to fermented shrimp paste cured under the sun. It is a common food ingredient used among Malaysians. The study findings offer practical insights, such as avoidance of food allergens amidst food allergy sufferers and help the government to carefully manage for menu planning. The knowledge contribution of this study reveals several specific food and fruits, as aforementioned, which appear to be common and nutritious food, yet harmful to food allergy sufferers.
26 January 2021 in South Asian Journal of Tourism and Hospitality
Social media offer innovative opportunities for people to feel and stay socially connected in difficult times. This study aims to understand how people use their cooking mishaps during the movement control order (MCO) period due to the COVID-19 pandemic to seek emotional support and a sense of belonging to an online food community. Content analysis revealed three major sharing motivations: (i) social and relational, (ii) emotion articulation and (iii) information sharing. This research reveals that by opening up about their cooking mishaps and showing their vulnerability, users feel much more connected to the rest of the community members. The humorous way of posting has also deepened the connection between members, who maintain strong protective feelings for members of the community. This study highlights that people share information online during difficult times to cope with distress and stay connected with others.