With this post, I am beginning a series of articles related to the tourism industry, especially the hotel industry, in which I have spent a large part of my professional life and about which I am passionate.
In this case, I wanted to make an analysis of the impact that AI is having right now and where it will evolve in the near future.
Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and other emerging technologies such as robotics and virtual assistants are profoundly transforming the tourism and hospitality experience.
In an increasingly digitized world, especially after the impact of the pandemic, these technologies are redefining the interaction between tourists and tourism service providers.
Current situation of the tourism sector & AI
AI and related technologies are transforming the travel and hospitality industry in multiple dimensions, from chatbots and virtual assistants to robotics and machine translators.
These technologies are improving efficiency and customer experience, and their adoption is on the rise, especially in the context of post-pandemic recovery.
According to PwC research, artificial intelligence is expected to generate $15.7 trillion in value to the global economy by 2030
Spanish hoteliers showed a slightly lower confidence level in their readiness for digital transformation compared to the EU average (58% vs. 61%). Still, almost two-thirds (29%) of accommodation business owners stated that they planned to invest more in this area in the next six months.
Only 8% of European hotels use artificial intelligence applications.
63% of Spanish hoteliers do not use or plan to use AI.
Source: Accommodation Barometer in Spain – Summer 2023.
The data speak for themselves. AI, in my opinion, is an opportunity that the industry should seize as it can give significant competitive advantages to companies that use it. and above all, it will allow them to improve their customers’ experience. Let’s get our act together!
In subsequent posts, I will address the challenges and uses of AI in the industry, as well as possible use cases to be applied by any hotel company.
Good week!
