THE EVALUATION OF SMART HOTEL APPLICATIONS IN ISTANBUL

Recent developments in information and communication technologies have led to the emergence of new approaches and innovative business models in tourism. In order to adapt these developments, especially in the accommodation sector, smart applications are made and the operations that tourists should do during the holiday are facilitated by these applications. The aim of this study is to evaluate the services offered to tourists on the basis of smart hotel applications with technological developments. Qualitative research method was used in the study. In order to increase the reliability and validity of the study, triangulation method was used. The hotels included in the study were selected through the purpose sampling. 4 and 5 star hotels determined to be a smart hotel application in Istanbul; It was determined that four hotels could be evaluated within the scope of the research by using the latest publications in corporate websites and media. The front office managers of the mentioned hotels were interviewed. In addition, physical observation was made in the parts of the hotels covering the smart applications after the interview. In the study, it was concluded that the concept of smart hotel is implemented as two themes as mobile applications and personalized services. Within the scope of mobile applications, it has been determined that ？n one touch application, online check-in and online check-out services are used. According to the findings of the study, it is concluded that the cost of the automation infrastructure to be provided for smart hotel applications is high and as a result, a very limited part of the smart hotel criteria can be implemented in the hotels covered by the research