At HITEC 2024, Terence Ronson sat down with Wietse Bijzeit, Vice President, Global Solutions Architect at Shiji Group. They discussed the impact of AI on the hospitality industry, data privacy challenges, and the future of technology in hotels. Here are the highlights from their conversation.

Introduction and Event Impressions

Wietse Bijzeit shared his enthusiasm for HITEC, highlighting the high attendance and productive meetings. He appreciated the opportunity to network, learn, and discuss innovations with industry peers.

Creating and Deploying Global Solutions

Wietse explained that global solutions must be flexible to accommodate local needs and regulations. Shiji Group's enterprise platform is designed with multi-region capabilities, allowing for local data storage and compliance. This flexibility ensures that the platform can support both large hotel chains and independent properties.

State of Tech in Hospitality

Terence asked Wietse about the current state of technology in the hospitality industry and what needs improvement. Wietse noted that while some companies have successfully migrated to open API platforms, there are still challenges in creating seamless guest experiences. He emphasized the importance of frictionless digital journeys and the integration of technologies like wallet keys and digital identities.

Pain Points in Hospitality Tech

When asked about frustrations with current technology, Wietse pointed out the persistent issues with Wi-Fi quality and network infrastructure in hotels. He stressed the need for hotels to invest in robust networks to support digital guest experiences and staff mobility.

AI in Hospitality

Wietse highlighted AI's potential to revolutionize the industry by automating tasks and improving efficiency. He emphasized the importance of high-quality data for AI to function effectively. Wietse mentioned the need for responsible AI practices and the importance of having in-house AI models to protect data privacy.

Future of AI and Technology

Wietse discussed the importance of building flexible AI layers that can connect to various AI platforms, ensuring adaptability as technology evolves. He also noted the significance of multi-region capabilities for AI platforms to meet different regulatory requirements.

Crystal Ball: 1-3 Year Predictions

Looking ahead, Wietse predicted that many hotel groups would complete their transition to cloud-based systems and open platforms. This shift will allow them to fully leverage AI and data integration to enhance guest experiences and operational efficiency. He expressed excitement about the opportunities this transformation will bring to the industry.

Conclusion

Wietse Bijzeit's insights highlight the evolving role of AI and technology in the hospitality industry. As hotels continue to adopt cloud-based systems and improve data integration, AI will play a crucial role in enhancing guest experiences and operational efficiency. This interview is part of Hospitality Net's HITEC 2024 series, where industry leaders share their visions for the future of hospitality technology.

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