A multi-disciplinary forum and research laboratory

Hospitality 3.0

A multi-disciplinary forum and research laboratory

in collaboration with the NYU School of Professional Studies


Fall 2023 by the numbers:

15

industry leaders

7

sessions

248

participants

Fall 2023 / Spring 2024

The Human Interface

The NYU School of Professional Studies and the META Foundation launch a collaborative working group that explores sustainable and impactful forms of tourism and hospitality which take full advantage of new technologies such as AI, VR/AR, web3, and spatial computing.

We seek to define the parameters of Hospitality 3.0 through an exploration of the following questions:

  • What is Hospitality 3.0?

  • Where and how can Hospitality 3.0 create more impactful, meaningful, sustainable and accessible forms of engagement with places and people?

  • How can communities leverage Hospitality 3.0 to reduce the harms and uncertainties of tourism and travel while developing new revenue streams?

  • Who are the stakeholders in the new decentralized ecosystem shaping Hospitality 3.0?

Focus Areas

The primary objective of this working group is to develop a comprehensive framework of Hospitality 3.0 and identify theoretical and practical applications in cultural heritage, experiential travel, community building, and virtual travel. The working group will bring together a wide range of technology, tourism and hospitality stakeholders to develop the conceptual and practical frameworks that will establish an industry standard for Hospitality 3.0.

  • Analyze how interactive elements in virtual experiences enhance user engagement and emulate the spontaneity of travel encounters. We will examine current 3.0 technology to understand its limitations and potentials in creating inclusive, virtual spaces of hospitality.

  • Explore the dynamics of community involvement and social interactions in virtual settings to replicate the sense of cultural exchange and camaraderie found in travel. We will explore the possibilities of co-creating profit sharing mechanisms to ensure equitable distribution of financial benefit.

  • Investigate ways to create virtual experiences that leave a lasting impact, such as promoting awareness of cultural heritage and fostering sustainable practices. How can Hospitality 3.0 structure new forms of engagement and exchange?

  • Examine the role of decentralized management and blockchain technology in creating transparent and inclusive virtual travel platforms. Design and production will involve an exploration of the practical obstacles to developing Hospitality 3.0 platforms, including coding, infrastructure development, and accessibility.

Featured participants