Hospitality Discussions 2024 (Part 5): Technology

Travel Market Life

In the words of Mustafa Gokcen from Cheval Collection “tech is not a cost saving exercise, tech is a tool that allows us to focus on other priorities.” As software and systems drive automation for greater operational and commercial efficiency, where do you draw the line at being effective?

Maggie Bazemore provides insight into the relationship between an OTA and technology companies and the challenges involved with developing and maintaining integrations and how hoteliers seek product recommendations. We also look at the trends that are shaping hotel technology.

Mustafa shares his thoughts and perspectives on integrations within the hospitality tech stack and Jon Siberry from Sarova Hotels explains the journey they went through for a successful payment tech implementation.

Among the Hospitality Discussions with 20 hoteliers and experts, we explored the following questions:

1. How do you identify if you need a new system and/or tech partner?
2. How do you assess and secure the budget required?
3. What is the research and decision-making phase? Who is involved and why?
4. What is your opinion on market access to the right type of vendors? How easy is it to find suppliers?
5. What are your top frustrations with the vendor market and sales process?
6. What systems and tech are you looking to procure?

Key factors of consideration from hoteliers included:

• Challenges of integrating various technology systems in hospitality.
• Importance of seamless system integration for managing rates and availability.
• Evaluation criteria for selecting technology vendors.
• Challenges faced during technology implementation and vendor coordination.
• The significance of local support in technology solutions.
• The impact of technology on enhancing the guest experience in hotels.

Thanks to our facilitators; Catt Mcleod (Elegant Hotel Collection), Jon Siberry (SarovaHotels).

Travel Market Life is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.