artificial intelligence
AI May Make Mistakes, But It Won’t Shoot a Customer
Shep Hyken | July 25, 2024
Customers are not yet 100% comfortable with AI technology. It still makes mistakes, which is frustrating. Consider these findings from our annual customer service and CX research (sponsored by RingCentral): 70% of customers said they would rather use the phone than self-service solutions including AI-fueled technologies like ChatGPT or voice recognition software. 63% of customers are frustrated when using AI or ChatGPT technologies. 56% of customers admit to being scared of AI and ChatGPT. Even with customers’ concerns and trepidation about interacting with an AI-fueled chatbot or voice recognition technol...
Artificial Intelligence Agents as a Next Step for Hotel Tech
Adam and Larry Mogelonsky | July 24, 2024
By Adam and Larry Mogelonsky Coming out of HITEC 2024 in Charlotte, Generative AI (genAI), specifically large language models (LLMs) and generative pre-trained transformers (GPTs), are moving beyond only chatbots for use cases in the hospitality sector. These AI tools are primarily recognized for handling guest inquiries and managing standard room reservations. However, their potential extends far beyond these capabilities. The future of AI in hospitality lies in agents trained for complex tasks, offering advanced solutions across various departments such as HR, finance, sales, and marketing. Despite the promising advancements, there ar...
Is AI Over-Hyped? Or Do We Actually Need to Learn This Stuff?
Daniel Craig | July 23, 2024
After so much buzz about AI over the past two years, things have grown a bit quiet. Was it all just marketing bluster, or is generative AI still poised to transform how we work and live? For hoteliers, is it enough to dabble occasionally with ChatGPT or Gemini, or do you actually have to learn how to use these tools? To find answers to these questions, it’s helpful to look at the path new technologies typically follow from inception to mass adoption. Charting AI on the Hype Cycle Decades ago, Gartner introduced the Hype Cycle to map the maturation process of emerging technologies. The model is intended to help people and compan...
Robots? In My Hotel? Three Ways AI Is Stepping Up as Hospitality’s Next Great PMS Support Tool
Warren Dehan | July 23, 2024
Artificial intelligence is uniting departments and supporting hospitality from behind the scenes By Warren Dehan Where did all of these robots come from? While hospitality may seem like the last place you might expect to find Artificial Intelligence, this technology has significantly impacted how hoteliers do business. While most generative AI today reacts to text prompts, it will soon rewrite the rules for hotel operations. Properties of all sizes, branded and independent alike, will benefit from automation taking over repetitive, mundane tasks — but our industry often struggles to explain how this will play out in practice. Unlike scie...
AI’s Impact on Hotels
CBRE | July 18, 2024
By Rachael Rothman, Jack Corgel, and Christine Bang Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology enhancements for hotels promise enhanced customer service, higher margins and expanded research and booking, with improved experiences for guests. Of equal importance is the likelihood that AI and broader technology improvements will materially shift the relationship between hotel brands, third-party management companies and hotel owners, as well as the relationship between the online travel agents (OTAs), metasearch platforms and the brands, owners and managers. Key Takeaways Potential implications of artificial intelligence and technology en...
Navigating the Complex World of Conversational AI – Part 2
Travel Outlook, the premier hotel call center™ | July 16, 2024
AI's Role in Hospitality: Enhancing Guest Experience with Conversational AI By John Smallwood, President of Travel Outlook July 2024 As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, Artificial Intelligence has emerged as a powerful tool that allows hoteliers to unlock new levels of efficiency. Not all AI is created equal, and what works for one industry may not work for another. In our previous post, we explored the fundamental questions hoteliers should ask when considering AI solutions, focusing on how AI can provide guests with a warm, engaging, and personalized experience. Continue reading below as we dive into the conversati...
AI’s Flight Path: The Emergence of the Chief AI Officer (CAIO) in the Hotel and Airline Industries
Ivana Johnston | July 15, 2024
By Ivana Johnston The "Chief AI Officer"—or CAIO—is one of the hottest new job titles in the corporate circuit, and both the hotel and airline industries are embracing this role to stay competitive in the digital era. LinkedIn reports that the number of companies with a “Head of AI” position has more than tripled in the last five years. When IBM and Dell cut the ribbon for their Chief AI Officers last year, the race was on, and it wasn't long before Accenture, Arizona's renowned Mayo Clinic, and WPP heard the call and announced their very own CAIOs. In 2023, President Joe Biden pulled all the federal agencies into the AI race, ...
From Base Stays to Premium Experiences: How AI Is Redefining Ancillary Revenue Generation for Hotels
Leo Barrit | May 29, 2024
By Leo Barrit Artificial intelligence (AI) is more than just a buzzword; it's a transformative tool that can revolutionize the hospitality industry. Its practical use can empower hotels to anticipate guest preferences, tailor services accordingly, and deliver them through the right channels. This not only enhances the guest experience but also opens doors to increased profitability. However, it’s crucial to understand and navigate the challenges and considerations of implementing AI to align with a hotel's business goals. The economic gains from AI are not to be underestimated. A study by PwC predicts that the most significant boosts ...