PurposeThis study aims to examine the relationship between digital transformation (DigiTr), innovation and human resources planning (HRP) in hotels to investigate the impact of DigiTr on innovations and HRP and to test the mediating impact of innovation on the DigiTr-HRP relationship. Design/methodology/approachThe authors used a quantitative research method in this study, specifically by conducting a hybrid face-to-face and online survey to collect data from 462 human resources (HR) managers, department managers and HR professionals at four- and five-star hotels in Turkey. The structured questionnaire assessed DigiTr, innovations in business models, services and processes and quantitative and qualitative changes in HR. The authors used covariance-based structural equation modeling to test the hypotheses. FindingsDigiTr affected both innovations and HR planning in hotels, and also the effect of innovations on HR planning. In addition, DigiTr and innovations increased qualitative changes in HR planning but reduced quantitative changes. Finally, innovations mediated the relationship between DigiTr and HR planning. Practical implicationsThese findings indicate that employers and employees need to be aware of developments in employment in the tourism industry, as these can significantly impact HR planning via DigiTr and innovations. Originality/valueThis study differs from the existing literature by providing empirical evidence to fill the knowledge gap regarding how DigiTr and innovation affect HR planning.