The evolution of smart hotels: A bibliometric review of the past, present and future trends

This study provides a bibliometric analysis of smart hotel research, drawing from 613 publications in the Web of Science (WoS) database to examine scholarly trends and developments in this dynamic field. Smart hotels, characterized by integrating advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, cloud computing, and big data, aim to redefine customer experiences and operational efficiency. Utilizing co-citation and co-word analysis techniques, the research delves into the depth of literature from past to future trends. In co-citation analysis, clusters including "Sustainable Hotel and Green Hotel", "Theories Integration in Smart Hotel Research", and "Consumers' Decisions about Green Hotels" underscore the pivotal areas of past and current research. Co-word analysis further reveals emergent trend clusters: "The New Era of Sustainable Tourism", "Elevating Standards and Guest Loyalty", and "Hotels' New Sustainable Blueprint in Modern Travel". These clusters reflect the industry's evolving focus on sustainability and technology-enhanced guest experiences. Theoretically, this research bridges gaps in smart hotel literature, proposing new frameworks for understanding customer decisions amid technological advancements and environmental responsibilities. Practically, it offers valuable insights for hotel managers, guiding technology integration strategies for enhanced efficiency and customer loyalty while underscoring the critical role of green strategies and sustainability.