WHATT Theme Issue Launch: What is the Transformative Relationship Between Tourism and Technology?
Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes (WHATT) - 17.1 (2025)
Theme Editors: Sotiroula Liasidou and Kosmas Pipyros
Theme Issue Launch Event and Discussion at the School of Tourism Management, Hospitality and Entrepreneurship, Cyprus University of Technology, Paphos, Cyprus, Friday 21 March 2025
The School of Tourism Management, Hospitality and Entrepreneurship successfully hosted an engaging discussion event titled “What is the Transformative Relationship Between Tourism and Technology?” on Friday, March 21, 2025. The event took place at the School of Tourism Management, Hospitality and Entrepreneurship in Paphos, bringing together industry professionals, scholars, and students to explore key themes at the intersection of technology and tourism.
The event commenced with welcoming remarks from Mrs. Annita Demetriadou (Director of Tourism at the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, Cyprus) and Dr. Antonis Theocharous (Associate Professor and President of the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management). Both Mrs. Demetraidou and Dr. Theocharous emphasised on the importance of technology on tourism.
A presentation by the Theme Issue’s Editors, Dr. Sotiroula Liasidou (Cyprus University of Technology) and Dr. Kosmas Pipyros (Philips University, Nicosia) followed, providing insights into the Theme Issue which focused on the crucial changes that technology brings to the tourism sector. A highlight of the event was the keynote address by Mr. Agamemnon Trifonos (Group Chief Information Officer at Leonardo Hotels & Resorts Mediterranean), who presented on “From Paper to AI: How AI is Reshaping Hospitality,” captivating the audience with innovative perspectives on artificial intelligence's role in transforming the hospitality landscape. Mr. Trifonos highlighted that AI is revolutionising hospitality across guest experiences, operations, security, and revenue. Along with the idea that adoption challenges exist, AI enhances efficiency and personalisation. However, the overall conclusion of the presentation was that the future of hospitality will be AI-driven, balancing automation with human touch.
Following the keynote, an open discussion invited attendees to share insights and engage with a panel of esteemed experts, contributing to an enriching exchange of ideas. The discussion was facilitated by Dr. Zanete Garanti (Managing Editor of WHATT) and Ms. Galina Berjozkina (Co-Editor of WHATT), who guided participants through this timely and relevant topic.
The panel featured:
- Dr. Kosmas Pypiros, Philps University, Nicosia, Cyprus;
- Dr. Katerina Pericleous, Cyprus University of Technology;
- Dr. John Nikas, University of Patras;
- Dr. Todor Dyankov, University of Economics-Varna;
- Dr. Anastasia Christofi, Frederick University;
- Dr. Raphaela Neophytou, Center for Innovation and Excellence in Teaching, Frederick University;
- Dr. Anda Zvaigzne, Rezekne Academy of Technologies;
- Dr. Ioulia Poulaki, University of the Aegean;
- Dr. Maria Socratous, Cyprus Institute of Marketing;
- Mrs. Christiana Stylianou (PhD candidate) Cyprus University of Technology;
- Mrs. Anastasia Aslanides, Cyprus University of Technology.
The main conclusion of the event, as reflected in the articles published in the Theme Issue and during the panel discussion, is that technology plays a significant role in shaping the industry's future. In particular, the continuous technology breakthroughs, especially in AI, significantly influence global tourist dynamics. Adapting to technological advancements, stakeholders can develop strategies that enhance customer interaction, optimise resource management, and encourage sustainable tourist practices.
Dr. Zanete Garanti (Managing Editor of WHATT) and Ms. Galina Berjozkina (Co-Editor of WHATT) would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all participants, especially the organizers, for their invaluable contributions to the event's success. They also wish to acknowledge the writing team and contributors who wrote, consulted, edited, and reviewed the articles for this Theme Issue. Their insights and expertise have greatly enriched the understanding of technology's integration within the tourism industry, providing new perspectives for the future.
To access the Theme Issue, click here.
Paphos, Cyprus – March 22, 2025