Colin Tessier

This article was written by Lodging Magazine. Click here to read the original article As hotter summers make outdoor dining more challenging, hotels are looking for ways to keep patios,…

🛌 Bed bugs remain a significant issue in the hotel industry, especially during high turnover periods. Dr. Ben Hamza emphasizes early detection and staff training to prevent infestations. Hotels should inspect mattresses, seams, and furniture, using professional help and trained canines if necessary. Mistakes include complacency and lack of routine checks. Technological solutions, such as interceptors and detection devices, are vital. Effective management includes regular inspections and possibly setting up monitoring programs to prevent costly disruptions.

🤖 2026, HITEC conference highlighted AI’s role in hospitality. Ajay Aluri and Scot Campbell discussed Nylo, a socially intelligent robot, aiding in guest interactions and repetitive tasks. Examples include Oto at Otonomus Hotel, Tulse at Marriott Tulsa, and José at San José Airport. Collectively, they completed 371,135 guest interactions and 22,657 conversations, supporting 70+ languages. Emphasis is on experience amplification, not job replacement, balancing ROI and ROE.

💻 June 15, San Antonio, Texas: HITEC conference gathers thousands in the hospitality industry at Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center to explore innovative technologies. AI is a key focus, with discussions on its impact on booking, discovery, and guest experiences. Panelists like Keryn McNamara and Floor Bleeker highlight AI's potential to democratize distribution and enhance guest services. New roles like "agent supervisors" may emerge. Big brands may need to adapt to AI-driven changes.

📈 Inn-Flow, founded by John Erhart in 2009, has experienced 40% growth annually. In the last 12 months, they invested in personnel and infrastructure, moving to a new office in Raleigh, NC. The company focuses on integrating AI to enhance procurement, accounting, and labor tasks, aiming to boost accuracy and efficiency. AI supports workflow management, with human verification ensuring financial accuracy. Feedback indicates AI reduces repetitive tasks, allowing frontline employees to concentrate on guest services.