“The rise of social media has already changed the rules of the game,” writes Ignace Bauwens, regional vice president, Middle East, Eurasia and Africa at Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, in his report for Arabian Business.

In the report “2019 Outlook”, Bauwens said: “The future of hotels must be ideal for travellers who will be 'connected,' entertained and on the go.

He went on to say that he believes “the future of the hospitality sector is set for unprecedented changes led by the technology evolution, a younger traveller demographic, and the rise of newer feeder markets.”

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Bauwens said that these shifts will not only transform the industry but also help create lasting value.

He added that “this is particularly true for the Middle East region where the hospitality sector has evolved considerably in recent years, with its full potential still to be unlocked.”