THE BULLETIN
ARTIFICIALLY
Sweet
The year is 2024 and after weathering the storm of the global pandemic and economic uncertainties , hoteliers are cautiously optimistic about the future . The rejuvenation of the hotel industry was not an overnight success , but rather the result of strategic adaptations and a resilient spirit . As the world gradually recovered from the impact of the pandemic , travel restrictions eased and people began venturing out once more . This newfound sense of freedom sparked a renewed interest in travel , both for business and leisure .*
The above paragraph is quite sanguine . It also was not written by me ; it was written by artificial intelligence ; specifically , ChatGPT , to a query I made on it : “ Write a story about hotel industry performance .” Ten seconds later it spit out 10 paragraphs on the revival of the post-pandemic hotel industry , including technological advancements , embracement of sustainability and the importance placed on traveler experiences .
The generated story commented on the industry using an invented hotel as its anchor . I did not ask for a fictional narrative , but who am I to complain to a machine ? There is nothing ingenuine about artificial intelligence or AI . Don ’ t believe me ? Believe the voices in the ensuing pages of our debut 2024 issue . To a man , artificial intelligence , and its adoption , will be a major theme this year and only gaining steam as it becomes , well , more life-like in its ability to perform tasks that can streamline operations , unburden staff and enhance the customer journey .
The future of AI holds tremendous potential and is likely to impact various aspects of our lives . It ’ s important to note that along with these positive developments , there are also concerns related to job displacement , privacy , security and the ethical implications of it . Striking a balance between harnessing the benefits of AI and addressing its challenges will be a key aspect of shaping the future of artificial intelligence .*
I got you , again . AI can even be introspective — to call out its faults and find ways to ensure its harmony within a world still composed of humans . Even machines want to conform , to feel part of society . Scary , right ? AI can do a legion of tasks in the same time it takes to walk from the couch to the fridge ; it can also show feeling , sentience and that scares many . AI also threatens jobs , within the hospitality industry and outside it . ( They say the pen is mightier than the sword , but can it outwit a droid ?)
The convergence of AI technologies , virtually unlimited data and low-cost computing power enable real personalization at scale . Harvesting this capability could take the hospitality experience to a whole new level and enable operators to do what they do best : deliver exceptional hospitality marked by moments of surprise and delight .**
Okay , that paragraph was written by a human , Chris Hemmeter , managing director at Thayer Ventures . And while it may still be early times for AI , you ’ re already late if you haven ’ t embraced its capabilities . Believe me . I said it . * ChatGPT generated , 12 / 25 / 2023 ** Chris Hemmeter , managing director , Thayer Ventures
David Eisen Editor In Chief
EDITORIAL David Eisen Editor In Chief
Kathakali Nandi Editorial Writer
Tatiana Valenzuela Editorial Coordinator
Juan Cruz del Val Designer
Contributing Writers Harvey Chipkin , Stefani C . O ' Connor , Derek Herscovici
PUBLISHING Ali Jahangiri CEO
INTERNATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD Gilda Perez-Alvarado Group Chief Strategy Officer , CEO of Orient Express , Accor
Arash Azarbarzin CEO , Highgate
Danny Hughes President , Americas , Hilton
Jeanelle Johnson Partner , PwC
Raj Chandnani EVP & CDO , WATG
Mike Deitemeyer President & CEO , Aimbridge Hospitality
Cindy Estis Green Co-founder & CEO , Kalibri Labs
Raúl González CEO EMEA , Barcelo Hotels & Resorts
Alan Fuerstman Founder , Chairman , CEO , Montage International
Patrick Scholes MD , Lodging and Leisure Equity Research , Truist Securities
ADVERTISING Caroline de Donnea José Sylvester Natali Aun Santiago
ADMINISTRATION Kristi Carlson Agustín Ruarte
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