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The hotel sector is increasingly adopting smart technology.

Hi-tech hospitality solutions in focus

01 September 2023

With Saudi Arabia emerging as one of the world’s fastest growing tourism destinations, the kingdom’s hospitality sector is gearing up to attract an influx of tech-savvy regional and global tourists by investing heavily in new technology, which will revolutionise the kingdom’s hotel landscape.

From AI to IoT, to big data and robotics, Saudi Arabia’s hotel and hospitality sector is staying ahead of the curve by investing in new technology to optimise their revenue, guest-experiences and operational efficiency, said leading industry experts ahead of the Hotel & Hospitality Expo and its three-day conference, the Hospitality Leaders’ Summit, which will be staged in the Saudi capital.

To be held at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre this month (September 10 to 12), these events will be co-located with Index Saudi Arabia and the Lighting Design & Technology Expo.

The show will connect manufacturers and suppliers in the hotel and hospitality industry with buyers in the kingdom, all while showcasing the latest technological advancements disrupting the country’s hotel sector.

Nadeem Zaman, Chief Strategy and Transformation Advisor for the Minister of Investment in Saudi Arabia, said the country’s efforts to boost tourism will see a rise in the adoption of cutting-edge technologies.

“As the industry looks to differentiate itself, the fourth industrial revolution – and in particular – AI and IoT are looking to make their impact. Expect to see enhanced guest experiences through personalised services, streamlined operations and efficient energy management solutions,” stated Zaman, who will be one of the speakers at the Hospitality Leaders’ Summit.

The event will see leading industry experts discuss how the hotel sector in the kingdom will leverage big data, AI and IoTs to maximise revenue and energy efficiency.

According to Zaman, the future of the hotel and hospitality landscape in the country lies with the rapid adoption of new technological solutions, some of which can be seen in the industry today.

“Smart room controls, voice-activated assistance like Amazon Echo or Google Home, Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality will provide guests with a more immersive experience before arrival, and robotic concierge,” he noted.

He pointed out that robots were expected to become more commonplace citing the case of the UK’s Yotel Hotel, which is opening a hotel in Neom.

“It is expected to open its doors in Oxagon in 2025 and will feature robotic concierge, motorised smart beds, and a plethora of other high-tech options,” he added.