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Guests can control everything, using voice commands

Shinoj Joseph, General Manager, O by Tamara Trivandrum, on how the hospitality sector is changing in accordance with the increase in technology and AI

The emergence of novel innovations and artificial intelligence has consistently revolutionised the world. In this rapidly changing economy, the rise of artificial intelligence has dominated every sector, presenting endless opportunities for exploration. Among them, the hospitality sector has constantly led the charge in innovations, exploring new ways to enhance guest experience and performances. The evolution of technological advancement is reshaping the industry, and transforming the way hotels and travel services operate. 

Technology has rendered our lives more personalised and convenient. New technologies are persistently changing every aspect of our lives. Artificial intelligence is having a significant impact on the hospitality sector improving their line of operations. This has helped in enhancing guest experiences and customer services. Technology is used for room reservations, room service orders, and customer inquiries. This has in turn helped in saving a lot of time and resources.

  • AI tools in hotel websites: AI tools like chatbots and virtual assistants are widely used in hotel websites as already seen largely across the world. While chatbots use natural language processing to understand and respond to customers’ inquiries, virtual assistants help in making a booking, provide recommendations, and personalise guest experiences according to their preferences. This immense data available on the internet allows them to stay relevant and competitive at the same time by providing services according to customer’s needs.
  • Smart rooms and AI: Recently, hotels have been following the pattern of using many devices and technologies in guest rooms. This is another application of AI in the hospitality industry with smart rooms. Guests can control everything, from their room temperature to lights, TV, and smartphones using voice commands. This technical innovation has also contributed to sustainability through energy conservation. Another noticeable factor is the use of freezers and refrigerators in restaurants whose temperature can be controlled with a simple touch on a smartphone.
  • Enhanced security measures: Improvement in security is another feature that the innovation in technology has brought up. Enhanced security features can detect unauthorised access to the guest room, improving overall hotel security features that make the customers feel safe and secure. During the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, contactless mobile check-in and digital keys reduced the risk of transmission of the disease by blocking physical interactions as well.
  • Impact of AI on workforce management: The AI-driven system is greatly influencing workforce management in the hospitality management sector. Data analytics are helping them in a great way to develop business practices according to customer demand and also allowing them to deliver exceptional guest experiences by checking their preferences online.

The advent of technology and innovations in the hospitality sector is opening the doors to a new world of possibilities ensuring efficiency, personalisation, and sustainability. As we move forward, the industry is generating higher standards for customer experience. Witnessing the innovative advances we are making day to day, the hospitality sector has learnt to adapt to the changing digital age while shaping the face and future of the industry.