At HITEC 2024, Simone Puorto interviewed Julio Selva, Vice President of eCommerce Partnerships at Cendyn, discussing AI's potential impact on the hospitality industry, their shared history, and the future of data consolidation in hospitality.

Introduction and Company Overview

Julio Selva introduces himself as the Vice President of eCommerce Partnerships at Cendyn, a company focused on digital marketing and direct booking solutions for the hospitality industry. He mentions his long-standing relationship with Simone, highlighting their professional history and mentorship.

AI in Hospitality

Julio addresses the prevalent buzz around AI, comparing it to the early days of metasearch about a decade ago. He emphasizes that, like metasearch, AI is currently a hot topic, but the industry is still figuring out its practical applications. He stresses that the focus should be on understanding how to leverage AI effectively rather than adopting AI for its own sake.

Strategic Implementation of AI

Julio explains that Cendyn is actively exploring AI's potential within their products, particularly in CRM and digital campaigns. He highlights the challenge of balancing human interaction with machine automation, acknowledging that while AI can enhance efficiency, it is essential to determine where human input remains crucial.

Future Predictions and Data Consolidation

Julio predicts that the most significant benefit of AI in the coming years will be data consolidation. He envisions AI playing a pivotal role in aggregating and acting on data, providing a more unified and actionable approach to hospitality management. Although he is unsure if these changes will happen within the next year or two, he is confident that AI will drive more consolidated data and actionable insights.

Conclusion

Julio Selva's insights underscore the importance of a strategic approach to AI adoption in the hospitality industry. His prediction about AI's role in data consolidation offers a glimpse into the future where AI not only automates tasks but also enhances decision-making through better data management. This interview is part of Hospitality Net's HITEC 2024 series, showcasing thought leaders who are driving innovation in hospitality technology.

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