PERSPECTIVE
Data privacy and data security , and other ethical concerns must be at the forefront of our minds . Guests rightfully expect their personal information , credit card details and other sensitive data to be protected . As such , hotels must invest in stringent cybersecurity and other privacy platforms to reassure guests with accountability , transparency and peace of mind .
The integration of AI in the hospitality industry also brings with it a significant impact on the workforce . New , automated systems will replace certain jobs and tasks previously done by human beings . To ensure a smooth transition , investments in upskilling and reskilling programs for hospitality workers are necessary to ensure they are prepared for the future .
THE EVOLUTION CONTINUES Now that AI has arrived , the potential new applications for the hospitality industry are practically endless . One such application that promises to take the hotel experience to new heights is the utilization of AI for sentiment analysis and natural language processing ( NLP ).
Imagine a hotel that could identify and respond to guest feedback or questions in real time , as well as categorize a question or complaint by prioritizing urgent needs first . With NLP and sentiment analysis , hotels could monitor feedback from online reviews and social media , proactively addressing any shortcomings and , in turn , enhancing guest satisfaction . This seamless integration of technology and empathy would allow hotels to create a truly personalized experience for every visitor .
AI applications may soon be able to automate revenue management through dynamic pricing and demand forecasting . As a result , hotel rooms in the not-sodistant future would be priced on factors such as the time of day , day of the week , season and even the weather . With AI at the helm , hotels could effortlessly adjust room prices in real-time , optimizing revenues , and occupancy rates while still catering to customer demands .
Demand forecasting is another area where AI shines . By analyzing data from sources , such as online travel agencies , social media , customer reviews , and even the hotel ' s own booking history , AI can accurately predict future demand for hotel rooms . This valuable insight allows hotels to better allocate resources , manage inventory and plan staffing needs .
By pairing caution and enthusiasm , AI applications can be leveraged to create truly immersive , one-of-a-kind guest experiences , along with the jobs of the future . As the hospitality industry continues to evolve , we can only imagine the exciting innovations that await us in the future .
48 hotelsmag . com Jul / Aug 2023