Innovation

💻 When operating technology across thousands of hotels globally, each property's unique story emerges from diverse brands, ownerships, and international markets. Despite varied settings—urban high-rises or destination resorts—the operational demands remain remarkably similar. Successful technology leadership focuses on integration, ensuring systems like PMS and POS work seamlessly to enhance guest experiences. The key challenge lies in integrating these systems, which scales complexity faster than the tools themselves. Organizations excelling in this area design scalable ecosystems that maintain individuality and consistency.

💻 Hotels in 2026? Mews and Bob W. hotels notice a shift towards tech, but 20+ systems like TV, Wifi, PMS, and more, don't integrate guest experience. A 10% ADR premium can vanish, losing €650,000+ annually for 100 rooms. Systems cost per room monthly, take a cut of upsells, and create data silos. Future hotels need fewer tech layers and clear decision-making ownership. Every new system means revenue for vendors, but less human connection for guests.

📑 Last week, Daniel C. Doppler, leading Quinta/Quicktext, highlighted that intelligence has become a commodity. In hotels, 15-20% of data alters yearly, and about 60% is not formalized. Chatbots should adapt quickly to frequent changes like restaurant menus and service shifts to avoid obsolescence. Discoverability in data is crucial, especially as we transition from human-to-agent to agent-to-agent interactions, emphasizing that data distribution is as vital as the data itself.

🤖 In the hotel industry, AI agents are transforming operations. 65% of hotels face staffing shortages, with 71% having unfilled positions. AI agents improve areas like revenue, guest communication, and energy management, working 24/7. Oracle reveals 73% of guests want less staff contact, and 74% desire AI-driven personalized services. A mid-sized hotel saw a 10% revenue increase using AI for pricing. Hilton's AI reduced energy costs by over $1 billion. 78% of hotel chains use AI, with 89% planning more in two years.

💻 AI agents for hotels boost operations by autonomously managing tasks like revenue management, housekeeping, and guest communication. They help address staffing shortages with API-enabled systems, operate 24/7, and meet growing guest expectations for low-contact services. Oracle research shows 73% of travelers want tech to minimize staff interaction. AHLA notes 65% of hotels face staffing shortages. With AI, a hotel saw a 10% RevPAR increase. Hilton's AI saved over $1 billion in energy costs.

🏨 Shiji, on February 20, 2026, announced the integration of FLYR Hospitality's AI-driven platform with Daylight PMS in Atlanta, Georgia. This collaboration allows hotel groups to automate pricing and forecasting, moving away from manual systems. Daylight’s architecture facilitates faster deployments across portfolios. FLYR is gaining traction, partnering with brands like Amadeus and Time Hotels. Shiji serves over 91,000 hotels globally, providing innovative tech solutions. FLYR caters to hotels across Europe, North America, and the Middle East.