The Impact of COVID 19 on the Tourism Industry: The Role of Fourth Industrial Revolution Technologies in Mitigating the Impacts

Abstract

The tourism industry has suffered because of countries' strict measures to combat the spread of COVID-19. The goal of this research was to uncover the effects of the coronavirus disease and develop solutions to keep the tourism industry afloat in the aftermath. Through a thorough review of the literature, the objectives of this study were to identify the key impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism industry and to determine the role that Fourth Industrial Revolution technology can play in reviving the business sector. The study used the desktop research technique, consulting published articles and reports. International tourist arrivals have decreased, key tourism events have been cancelled, hotel occupancy declined, and poaching has increased as a result of COVID19. The findings of the study also indicate that the tourism industry might also benefit from virtual technologies, artificial intelligence, 5G technologies and robot automation technologies. These technologies could be used to sustain the industry in times of crisis.

Keywords

• covid-19
• tourism industry
• fourth industrial revolution
• pandemics