What are the steps needed to move the Middle East hospitality IT sector forward?
MN: We can’t operate in a monopoly. It’s the same with suppliers and communications providers. Competition will improve the service. However, the UAE market is still better than that in the wider Middle East.
RT: Attitudes towards IT budgets will change as hotels realise the importance of technology and the role of IT in creating the best guest experience. It will take time. We’ve already started introducing self check-in. Soon everything will be automated.
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HS: Attitudes will change with the first hotel to introduce a ‘smart room’. Guests will demand a room that is customised before his arrival to his requirements; he will select the right temperature, decide whether curtains should be open or closed, he will select the TV channels he likes and everything will be controlled remotely.
MN: This will save money on staff and gives guests the impression that you really care for them.
MB: Owners need to invest in ‘future proof’ technology because year to year technology is changing. If you invest in the IT infrastructure now, you will not have to change it after around four-to-five years’ time.
HS: And we have to continue making technology pay for itself to maintain the return on investment.
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