The Adoption of Artificial Intelligence in Hospitality and Tourism in Africa

Abstract While Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionised the world of business globally, its adoption in hospitality and tourism across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) remains limited. This introductory chapter explores the global proliferation of AI and its specific implications for the hospitality and tourism sector, with a focused lens on Africa. It presents a detailed regional analysis of Africa’s diverse tourism economies, highlighting stark disparities in performance, digital infrastructure and AI readiness. This chapter argues that while AI presents a significant opportunity for efficiency, personalisation and sustainable development in tourism, its adoption in Africa is constrained by foundational challenges, including data inconsistencies, skills gaps and uneven digital infrastructure.