Events
value of integrating historical properties with cutting- edge hotel technology. The session ‘From Tech to Table’ focused on the
food and beverage (F&B) sector, exploring how restaurants in hotels are balancing digital solutions with the human experience. Industry experts such as Andrew Burns, director of F&B at Atlantis Resorts, and Pratik Rajgarhia, director of F&B at Radisson Hotel Group, shared their insights into the evolving dynamics between tech and personal service in the culinary space. Meanwhile, the session titled ‘Navigating Tech Buying Decisions to Create a Unique and Exciting Experience for Every Guest’ was a deep dive into the purchasing decisions behind hotel technology. How do hoteliers decide what tools will elevate the guest experience, and how can technology suppliers position themselves as essential partners in creating bespoke, memorable stays?
Riding the wave of technological empowerment Miklós Belán, founder and CEO of Everguest, delivered a compelling keynote on how embracing technology, especially AI, can empower hospitality staff while enhancing guest services. Far from replacing human employees, AI can complement their roles by providing insights and automating routine tasks, allowing staff to focus on more complex, emotional aspects of guest interactions. Amani Bouachir of Technogym took the audience through the “Elevating Guest Experiences” session, showcasing how fitness technology can elevate both the guest experience and operational efficiency in hospitality settings.
Networking and business opportunities Beyond the thought-provoking sessions, IHTF MENA 2025 also provided invaluable opportunities for networking. Attendees engaged in pre-scheduled one- to-one meetings, discussing potential collaborations with key industry leaders and exploring the latest solutions offered by tech providers. Discussions around investment opportunities and the emerging hospitality job market also shed light on trends shaping the future workforce in the sector. The event provided valuable market intelligence,
with insights into the key challenges and trends impacting the hospitality industry, including sustainability, AI and the continued rise of personalisation in guest services.
Looking ahead: the future of hospitality technology As we look to 2025 and beyond, IHTF MENA sets the stage for an exciting period of technological transformation in the hospitality industry. From the ongoing integration of AI to evolving tech operations
Hotel Management International /
www.hmi-online.com 25
and IT management, the future promises a more personalised, secure and innovative guest experience. Whether it’s through the use of AI to predict and personalise service or through harnessing the power of digital tools to improve sustainability efforts, the conference reminded us that technology is not here to replace the human experience – it’s here to enhance it. As the industry moves forward, balancing innovation with human connection will be key to staying ahead in this rapidly changing landscape. ●
Above and below: Attendees interact at IHTF MENA 2025.
Opposite: An industry panel discussion on eco-smart hospitality takes place featuring prominent industry leaders.
Arena International
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