Not Science Fiction Anymore: How Autonomous Vehicles Are Already Driving Tourism Forward
Autonomous vehicles are moving from concept to reality — reshaping cities, destinations, and now, the hospitality sector. To understand what this shift means for hotels, resorts, and tourism leaders, we spoke with Guido Di Pasquale, Managing Director at PAVE Europe.
PAVE Europe is a coalition dedicated to raising public awareness about automated mobility, cutting through the hype with clear facts and real-world use cases. In this interview, Guido explains where AVs are already in operation, how they can elevate guest experience, and what hoteliers should do today to prepare for a driverless future.
Autonomous vehicles are often spoken of as something far away, almost science fiction. But what is the reality today — where are autonomous vehicles already in use, and what technologies are ready for immediate implementation in hospitality and tourism?"
Autonomous vehicles are no longer futuristic — they’re already operating in cities around the world. Cities such as Phoenix, San Francisco, and several major Chinese hubs including Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen have deployed robotaxis and autonomous shuttles, with broader testing underway across dozens of locations.
In Europe, pilot projects are active in urban areas and controlled environments like campuses and industrial zones. In Germany, autonomous ride-hailing services are set to launch in 2026, marking a major step toward scalable AV integration. Hamburg is testing a barrier-free autonomous minibus, with public access expected by 2026, and plans to expand its autonomous ridepooling service into a multimodal, accessible system.
Switzerland has reached a milestone with the launch of a full-size automated bus in Arbon, while the Netherlands now operates a self-driving shuttle to Rotterdam The Hague Airport. Singapore has introduced Southeast Asia’s first fully driverless shuttle at Resorts World Sentosa, and Dubai has unveiled its own robotaxi initiative, advancing Level 4 autonomous mobility.
These are just a few of the many exciting advancements currently unfolding in the autonomous vehicle space.
In controlled environments — including airports, campuses, and resorts — autonomous shuttles and delivery robots are already being used to transport guests and goods efficiently.
In the hospitality and tourism sector, several technologies are ready for immediate implementation:
Autonomous shuttles for resort and airport transfers
Last-mile delivery robots for room service and amenities
Self-driving luggage carts for guest convenience
Ride-pooling and ride-hailing AVs for urban and peri-urban transport
Fixed-route autonomous buses for guided tours or internal resort mobility.
These solutions are particularly effective in private or semi-private environments, where traffic and safety can be more easily managed. They are not only operational but also increasingly cost-effective, scalable, and beneficial in terms of safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
If we think about hotels, resorts, and destinations, how could autonomous vehicles practically improve guest experience and operations — for example, in transfers, last-mile connections, or even sustainability goals?
Across cities and resorts, AVs are enhancing guest experiences and streamlining operations in powerful ways.
Imagine arriving at your destination and stepping into a self-driving shuttle that takes you directly to your hotel — no waiting, no hassle. In places like Phoenix, travelers are already using autonomous ride-hailing for airport transfers.
Hotels are integrating AV services to offer guests reliable, contactless transportation, while autonomous shuttles connect visitors to remote eco-lodges and attractions, bridging the last-mile gap.These vehicles aren’t just convenient — they’re sustainable. Most AVs are electric, reducing emissions and supporting green tourism goals.
Inside resorts, AVs automate routine tasks like luggage delivery and room service, freeing staff to focus on personalized guest care. And for travelers with mobility challenges, AVs offer inclusive, accessible transport options.
But the innovation doesn’t stop there.
Autonomous vehicles are opening the door to personalized sightseeing experiences, AI-guided tours, and even mobile hotel rooms — turning travel into something truly immersive.
Of course, challenges remain. AVs must adapt to complex environments, and public trust must be earned. But with thoughtful deployment, autonomous mobility is set to redefine how we explore the world.
Introducing new technology always comes with questions of safety, regulation, and public acceptance. What are the biggest challenges you see in bringing autonomous vehicles into the tourism sector, and how can destinations and operators build trust among guests and staff?
As autonomous vehicles begin to enter the tourism sector, they bring with them exciting possibilities — but also important challenges. Safety, regulation, and public acceptance are at the heart of this transformation.
One of the biggest hurdles is public trust. While autonomous vehicles are designed to follow traffic laws and avoid collisions, many travelers remain skeptical. Studies show that firsthand experience dramatically increases confidence — making pilot programs and trials essential.
Regulation is another key challenge. Europe’s regulatory landscape is complex, with different rules across countries. Although frameworks exist in places like France, Germany, and the UK, harmonizing approvals and standards is still a work in progress.
Then there’s the issue of investment and infrastructure. Deploying AVs requires significant funding — not just for the vehicles, but for the ecosystems that support them. And adapting AVs to mixed traffic environments, especially in busy tourist areas, takes time and testing.
Data privacy also matters. Tourists need to feel confident that their personal information is secure when using connected, sensor-rich vehicles.
And finally, accessibility and inclusion. AV services often rely on smartphones and digital platforms, which can exclude older travelers or those with limited digital literacy. Ensuring equitable access is vital.
So how can destinations and operators build trust?
Start with transparency — clearly explain how AVs work and what safety measures are in place. Offer staff training and guest education, and design services that are inclusive and easy to use. Most importantly, let people experience the technology. Because when guests ride in an autonomous vehicle and see its benefits firsthand, skepticism turns into confidence.
And this is exactly the mission of PAVE Europe.
Looking ahead, what is your vision of how autonomous mobility could reshape travel and destination development over the next 5 to 10 years? And, importantly, what should hospitality leaders do today to prepare for this change?
Looking ahead, autonomous mobility is set to reshape travel and destination development over the next 5 to 10 years. Imagine cities and resorts designed around seamless, driverless transport — where autonomous shuttles connect guests to attractions, airports, and accommodations with zero emissions and zero stress.
Autonomous vehicles will unlock new possibilities for Mobility-as-a-Service, offering flexible, on-demand transport tailored to individual needs. From ride-pooling to fixed-route services, AVs will make travel more efficient, accessible, and sustainable. They’ll also help liberate urban space, reducing the need for private cars and freeing up land for parks, pedestrian zones, and community spaces. In logistics, AVs will revolutionize hub-to-hub and last-mile delivery, improving speed, safety, and reliability — especially in tourism-heavy regions where demand is high and timing is critical.
But this transformation won’t happen overnight.
So what should hospitality leaders do today to prepare?
First, invest in infrastructure — from charging stations to AV-friendly layouts. Second, collaborate with technology providers to pilot autonomous services in controlled environments like resorts or campuses.
Third, educate staff and guests. Build trust through transparency, training, and hands-on experience. And finally, advocate for inclusive design, ensuring AVs serve all travelers — including those with mobility challenges or limited digital access.
The future of travel is autonomous — and with thoughtful planning, hospitality leaders can be at the forefront of this change, creating smarter, safer, and more welcoming destinations for everyone.