Technologies such as machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) have the potential to transform the GCC’s hospitality and travel sectors, but regional operators must strike the right balance between high-tech and high-touch.
This was the message from industry experts participating in Arabian Travel Market (ATM 2019, who told attendees that – if implemented effectively – the latest innovations will help them to ‘sell travel’ more effectively in the future.
Charbel Sarkis, Regional Head of Travel and Hospitality, Retail and eCommerce – MENA, Google, said: “Machine learning is not something that’s going to happen in the future. It is happening right now. The assistance this type of technology provides is very smart. By predicting our behaviour, it can personalise the entire travel experience. “
Matt Raos, Senior Vice President Business to Business – Corporate and Leisure, Emirates, called for GCC travel operators to enhance the end-to-end customer journey by implementing technologies collaboratively. “The challenge we have is that we are part of a broader ecosystem. There is no one player that can do everything for everyone on their own. We need to acknowledge that we are participants in this ecosystem and find ways to collaborate so that we can deliver the things that customers want. It is about making the whole industry work together and proceed at a pace that’s not set by the slowest participant in the chain.”
Machine learning and AI-driven innovations such as robot concierges and butlers, as well as facial recognition and room customisation technology are becoming increasingly popular in the international hotel sector. However, some GCC brands have been reluctant to implement innovations due to high customer expectations that have been driven by the region’s highly trained hospitality professionals.
Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME,Arabian Travel Market, said:“Average IT investment by hotels currently stands at four per cent, yet almost three quarters of all manual activities in the hospitality industry have the potential to be automated. There is clearly huge potential for our industry to benefit from technology implementation.
Curtis added, “Nevertheless, the GCC’s hospitality and travel sectors have built up a global reputation based on high-quality, face-to-face service, so it is vital that the region strikes the right balance between high-tech and high-touch. In the longer term, companies operating in the Middle East’s tourism segment are likely to remain committed to human interaction, but with the assistance of technology.”