In the fast-evolving world of hospitality, technology plays a pivotal role in shaping the guest experience, driving operational efficiencies, and staying ahead of market trends. To gain insights into the unique challenges and opportunities in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, our VP of Global Partnerships, John Lingos-Webb, spoke with Patrick Andres, Regional Vice-President, Hotels JAPAC, at Oracle Hospitality.
With 35 years of experience in leading hospitality innovation across one of the world’s most dynamic regions, Patrick shares his perspectives on emerging technologies, Oracle’s approach to growth, and the critical role of data in transforming the industry across the Asia-Pacific region (APAC) and beyond.
In conversation with Patrick Andres
John Lingos-Webb (JLW): Can you start by introducing yourself and your role at Oracle?
Patrick Andres (PA): Of course. I’ve been with Oracle for six years and lead our hospitality business across APAC. My role focuses on business development, account management, and customer success, while also orchestrating the activities of various teams to drive growth and innovation in the region.
JLW: APAC is a diverse and rapidly evolving market. What are some of the emerging trends and technologies you see shaping the region?
PA: APAC is fascinating — home to two-thirds of the world’s population, it’s a young and fast-growing region. Mobile-first technology dominates here, and self-service is a significant trend. Whether in public transit or retail, the preference for seamless, mobile-enabled experiences is evident.
Artificial intelligence (AI) remains a big buzzword, though its exact implications vary by perspective. What’s clear is that data will play a pivotal role in how it evolves. This will bring opportunities but also necessitate safeguards to ensure ethical use, much like with other transformative technologies.
JLW: What unique challenges and opportunities does this present to the hospitality industry in APAC?
PA: Challenges and opportunities are two sides of the same coin. Many in the hospitality industry still view technology as a cost rather than a strategic enabler. The key lies in capturing, cleaning, and connecting relevant guest data. This is foundational for delivering personalized experiences and actionable insights, which will become even more critical as AI advances.
JLW: How are you addressing the specific needs of revenue managers in the region?
PA: For revenue managers, the ability to consolidate and action data is revolutionary. By capturing more accurate, centralized guest information, they have more trust in the recommendations generated by their systems. This reduces manual overrides and fosters better decision-making, shifting from reactive tactics to proactive strategies that directly impact profitability.
To meet these needs, we’ve evolved into a robust platform that encompasses distribution, loyalty, central sales, and open APIs that enable seamless integration with systems like Duetto.
Investing in these solutions isn’t just smart, it’s essential in today’s competitive environment.
JLW: Speaking of partnerships, how do you see Oracle’s collaboration with Duetto evolving in the future?
PA: We’ve moved away from the “do-it-all” mindset of the past and embraced a platform approach, opening the door to collaborations with innovators like Duetto. You bring innovation and adaptability, and a clear focus on APAC, that complements our platform-driven strategy and vision.
Together, we’re well-positioned to help hoteliers harness the power of technology and data, ensuring long-term growth and success in this dynamic industry.
Stepping into the future
Stay tuned as we continue to shape the future of hospitality technology across APAC and beyond, with Oracle.
