THE LUXURY DEBATE: Where does technology fit?

Are tech innovations helping or hindering luxury hoteliers?

Julian Ayers, vice president of India and the Middle East, Alila Hotels & Resorts: While it is nice to believe that we like to switch off when we go on holiday, very few people are actually able to do that and the majority still require high-speed Wi-Fi and accompanying technological accessories within the hotel. We regard these as integral to the luxury offering.

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Andrew Humphries, regional vice president & general manager, Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi: As the world becomes more connected, I think technology in terms of ease of use and convenience becomes less associated with a luxury experience, but more as a basic service for travellers. Luxury hotels are increasingly focusing on the quality, speed and reliability of their services.

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Anthony Tyler, GM Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh: Recognising guests’ needs and answering those needs are integral to our service, and so we therefore strive to provide user-friendly, intuitive technology for our hotel guests to enhance comfort and the overall hotel experience. The technology is there to assist guests with work or simply to relax and catch up with family and friends and share their holiday experiences while on property.

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Raki Phillips, area sales manager, FRHI Hotels & Resorts, Middle East, Africa and India: Integration is a priority and in Dubai, where the majority of leisure activities take place in and around restaurants, lounges and entertainment complexes, we are working on property-based apps that allow guests not only the opportunity to discover our dining and leisure facilities, but also provide a platform to communicate in meaningful ways.

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Haydee Cruz, director sales and marketing, Sun Siyam: With our guests becoming more reliant on smart phones and other mobile devices such as iPads and laptops, the demand for faster and more seamless technology before and during their holiday is increasing. Our guests’ lifestyles demand convenience and effortlessness, which only technology can provide.

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Holger Schroth, general manager, Emirates Palace: It is almost unimaginable to go on a spectacular vacation to a location like Emirates Palace and not be able to upload your pictures on one of your social media sites because of poor internet. We have recently completed a landmark project to deploy an incredibly fast and efficient wireless network throughout the property.