Artificial intelligence technologies for the tourism industry and international travel trends were discussed at the UK Annual Hospitality Conference in Manchester.

The UK Annual Hospitality Conference in Manchester hosted important topics on the future of the industry. Topics ranged from the role of AI technologies in the industry to the UK's slow recovery in tourism. The conference highlighted the need for both public and private sector representatives to increase investment in hotels and tourism in the region.

WEST MIDLANDS MAYOR CALLS FOR MORE LUXURY HOTELS

Speaking at the UK Annual Hospitality Conference, Richard Parker, Mayor of West Midlands, stated that the region is insufficient in terms of high-end hotels. Stating that the opening of more luxury hotels will increase tourism revenues in the region by attracting wealthy tourists, Parker said that they will accelerate this process by cooperating with local governments.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ADAPTIVE REUSE IN THE HOTEL INDUSTRY WAS EMPHASIZED

Halima Aziz, Head of Criterion Capital's Hotels Division, emphasized the importance of adaptive reuse in the hospitality sector. Aziz stated that the conversion of existing buildings into hospitality projects has become critical due to the decrease in suitable areas for new hotel construction. As an example, Aziz gave the transformation of the Trocadero in London into the Zedwell Hotel as an example, and said that with this project, a large area of vacant space in the city center was brought to the hospitality sector. He also stated that even old parking lots can be converted into hotels and that such projects offer great opportunities in terms of sustainability and urban regeneration.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

Mahmut Aslan, Regional Manager of Criterion Hospitality, emphasized the importance of customer experience in the hospitality industry. Stating that they quickly adapted to changing customer expectations after the pandemic, Aslan said that hotels should offer comprehensive experiences, not just accommodation. Stating that especially restaurants and bars have become places where social connections are made, Aslan said that the special experiences offered by Criterion in this area have attracted great interest from guests and investors.

THE IMPACT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ON THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

Technology entrepreneur John Straw emphasized that artificial intelligence will increase efficiency and profitability in the hospitality industry. Straw stated that artificial intelligence will speed up business processes in hotels and increase customer satisfaction. He stated that this technology makes significant contributions especially in areas such as financial reconciliation and internal communication.

UNITED KINGDOM LAGS BEHIND IN TRAVEL RECOVERY

David Goodger, Managing Director of Oxford Economics EMEA, stated that the post-pandemic recovery in international travel has begun, but the UK is lagging behind in this area. Goodger said that the removal of visa restrictions and tax exemptions contributed to this slowdown, while he expects a recovery in travel demand in the medium term.

HOTEL DEVELOPMENT REQUIRES PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP

Accor VP Development Manager Philip Lassman stated that the public and private sectors should cooperate more in hotel development projects. Lassman stated that such collaborations would make significant contributions to regional development. Tim Johnson, Mayor of Wolverhampton, also drew attention to the potential of hotel investments to revitalize the local economy.

HOSPITALITY SECTOR HIT HARDEST BY ECONOMIC CHALLENGES

Sebastian Burnside, Chief Economist at NatWest Group, stated that the economic difficulties are affecting the hospitality sector the most. Burnside stated that the pressure on the sector has increased as consumers turn to affordable options and that improvement is expected as inflation is brought under control.