Hospitality veteran weighs in on the technological challenges that hoteliers face.
Tech innovations are constantly changing the world that we live in. Those in the hospitality business are under constant pressure to identify the newest trends and integrate them into their guest experiences. To get a better understanding of the challenges that hoteliers face, Robert Holland (managing director UK & Ireland at HotelPartner Yield Management and chief tech advisor for UKHospitality) weighs in.
What do you see as the main challenge for hoteliers in relation to technology?
According to Holland, integrating new tech is one of the hardest things to accomplish. Because hotel management is so multifaceted, it is difficult to integrate software efficiently and ensure that it is actually communicating as needed. Additionally, integration is also extremely expensive, which acts as a considerable barrier for many hoteliers.
Why can other industries, such as retail, utilize technology far better than the hospitality industry seems to be able to?
Holland explains that integrating tech in the hospitality industry is difficult because it is multi-sector and therefore much more complicated than something like a retail store. Additionally, Holland points out that after a long integration and upgrade process, much of the tech becomes outdated in a matter of weeks. This makes hoteliers less inclined to undertake the lengthy and involved integration process.
Thoughts on the future in relation to tech and hospitality?
In Holland's words, €œAI is fascinating and we are right at the very start of the journey with it. I think it has the possibility of transforming our industry through enhancing, not reducing, the human experience. We need to employ technology to carry out processes leaving knowledgeable staff and passionate employees free to engage, interact and communicate with guests.€
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