The Implementation of New Technologies in Tourism and Hospitality Industry - Practices and Challenges

The processes of globalization, internationalization, implementation of ICT technologies etc. caused a revolution in tourism and hospitality industry. The importance of online business in tourism and hospitality is continuously growing and the tourists have become better informed and more demanding and sophisticated than ever before. Additionally, new technological innovations such as 5G mobile network, artificial intelligence, radio frequency identification, mobile devices, smartphones and wearables, applications, cryptocurrency and blockchain significantly changed the paradigm of tourism and hospitality industry. In order to be competitive on the global tourist market, destinations have to create completely new paradigm which should be based on innovations, implementation of modern ICT technologies, attractive and innovative tourist products and services and creation of authentic tourists experiences based on "3E" concept (Excitement, Entertainment, Education) and focused on the needs, demands and expectations of tourists. Only such platform would enable particular destination to attract specific target groups, create satisfied and loyal tourists, reach competitive advantage and create attractive image on the global tourist market.