Editorial Team1

🏨 Ander Elortegi, once a bellboy at Hôtel Lutetia, now leads Hotel Palacio Arriluce. At Villa Soro, he pioneered the 'hotel manager without an office' approach, enhancing guest satisfaction. Radisson Collection Bilbao earned the highest LEED Platinum score, leveraging technology for sustainability. Elortegi emphasizes technology to free staff for guest interactions, ensuring luxury remains personal. For hotel launches, he stresses teamwork and technology. His leadership blends local culture with tech, focusing on emotional intelligence and empathy.

💻 Zsuzsanna Albrecht advises on selecting and implementing Property Management Systems (PMS) and optimizing distribution strategies in hospitality. She emphasizes the importance of defining workflows, integration, total cost, flexibility, and strategic implementation for competitiveness and guest experiences. Future-proofing includes cloud-based, modular solutions with open standards. AI, mobile-first experiences, IoT, CRM, and sustainability tech are key trends. Effective upgrades require phased rollouts, data migration, and team involvement. Strategic planning, integration, and a focus on automation and guest experience are essential for operational success and a competitive edge.

🏥 Friedrich von Schönburg, Regional Vice President & Managing Director at Rosewood Villa Magna, discusses the fusion of tradition and innovation to offer luxury experiences in hospitality. Key strategies include personalized services using technology like CRM and communication tools such as WhatsApp to enhance guest connections. Empowerment of staff with trust, training, and resources is essential for excellent service. Sustainability is integral, with initiatives like repurposing linens and supporting local charities. AI is anticipated to revolutionize back-end operations, and a focus on data privacy ensures guest trust. Rosewood Villa Magna uses its Madrid location to provide exclusive cultural experiences, aligning with evolving guest expectations.

📲 Shiji Insights Podcast marked its first anniversary by reflecting on the first 12 episodes, which discussed the interplay of innovative technology and guest experiences in the hospitality industry. Key themes included the importance of fully integrated technology solutions, with the Property Management System (PMS) being central to operations and guest services. Digitalisation and AI were highlighted as transformative, leading to operational efficiency and personalised guest experiences. Seamless payment processing was also emphasized for enhancing guest satisfaction. Additionally, sustainability and inclusivity in technology solutions were noted for providing operational benefits and appealing to eco-conscious consumers. Operational excellence and the use of practical tools for staff were addressed as crucial elements for a positive guest experience. The podcast outlined how thoughtful integration of technology is shaping the future of hospitality, boosting revenue, and improving guest satisfaction.