Evaluation of smart hotel applications in accommodation business: Eskişehir example

The tourism industry is undergoing a rapid transformation through the integration of technological innovations into business processes. Today, the concept of the "smart hotel" has become an essential component of this transformation. The aim of this study is to identify the smart hotel applications used in accommodation enterprises by examining the perspectives of senior managers. Grounded in the Technology Acceptance Model developed by Davis (1989), the research is analyzed under the themes of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, intention, attitude, and behavior. A qualitative research design was employed, using semi-structured interviews as the data collection technique. The data was obtained through face-to-face interviews with senior managers of hotel establishments in Eskişehir and were analyzed using content analysis. The findings indicate that technologies such as sensor-based lighting, automated energy management, QR codes, digital menus, digital task assignment systems, and mobile communication applications are widely used in these businesses. Participants stated that these applications enhance operational efficiency, speed, and communication, improve guest experience, and reduce error rates. However, shortcomings in technical infrastructure, high costs, and integration challenges emerged as significant limitations. In conclusion, managerial attitudes, digital infrastructure, and ease of use are identified as critical determinants in the adoption of smart hotel applications.