HITEC Rewind: Guilain Denisselle on AI's Short-Term Impact in Hospitality
At HITEC 2024, Simone Puorto had an insightful conversation with Guilain Denisselle, the Founder and Hospitality Technology Strategy Consultant at Hôtel Conseil. Guilain, with his extensive experience in hospitality operations and technology, shared his perspective on the near-term impact of AI on the industry. Here are the key takeaways from their discussion.
Introduction and Background
Guilain Denisselle introduces himself as a veteran in the hospitality industry, with 35 years of experience in operations and technology. He has been part of CMG for 15 years and runs tendancehotellerie.fr, a French web publication focused on hospitality technology. Guilain also participates in global working groups about hotel technology, helping companies and investment firms navigate the future of hospitality tech.Short-Term Predictions on AI in Hospitality
Simone asks Guilain for his short-term predictions on AI, specifically looking ahead to HITEC 2025. Guilain highlights several key areas where AI is making significant strides:1. Revenue Management
Guilain notes that AI is already being used in revenue management, and it will continue to enhance predictive scenarios, making them more accurate and efficient. This application of AI is already well underway and will keep improving.2. Guest Messaging
AI is revolutionizing guest engagement by providing instantaneous, data-driven responses to guest inquiries. This capability allows for seamless and efficient communication, enhancing the guest experience.3. System Connectivity
One of the most challenging aspects of hospitality technology is the connectivity between different systems. Guilain believes AI can play a crucial role in solving this problem by automating the integration of systems. He foresees AI replacing APIs for simpler tasks, streamlining the connectivity process.4. Automation Between Systems
Guilain discusses the potential of AI to automate processes between systems (RPA - Robotic Process Automation), especially for routine tasks. While complex API integrations will still be necessary for deeper system connections, AI can handle smaller tasks efficiently, reducing the need for manual interventions.Conclusion
Guilain emphasizes the need for systems to work together seamlessly, which AI can facilitate. He is optimistic about AI's role in improving various aspects of hospitality technology, from revenue management to system connectivity. As AI continues to evolve, it will simplify operations and enhance the overall guest experience.This interview is part of Hospitality Net's HITEC 2024 series, where industry leaders share their insights on the latest advancements in hospitality technology.