Events
Celebrating excellence: The IHTF Europe Awards A standout highlight of the forum was the prestigious IHTF Europe Awards ceremony, held on 19 March 2025 at the Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort. This ceremony was not just an awards show – it was also a celebration of innovation, resilience and transformative advancements in hotel technology. Recognising excellence across several categories, the awards underscored the pivotal role of technology in redefining the guest experience and optimising operational efficiency. Here are the award winners and their impact: ■ AI Adoption of the Year – PortoBay Hotels & Resorts: Honoured for integrating artificial intelligence to elevate guest services and streamline hotel operations, setting a new industry standard.
■ CTO/CIO of the Year – Kari Anna Fiskvik: Celebrated for visionary leadership and spearheading digital transformation, marking a significant shift in how technology is harnessed within the hospitality sector.
■ ESG Initiative of the Year – Blue & Green Hotels & Resorts: Recognised for its commitment to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship, aligning business growth with eco-friendly initiatives.
■ Hotel App of the Year – RIU Hotels & joyned: This collaboration was celebrated for delivering a seamless, user-centric mobile experience that enhances guest engagement.
■ In-Room Guest Tech of the Year – Alexa Smart Properties X NH Collection Hotels: Applauded for pioneering in-room technology that leverages voice control to create an unparalleled level of personalised service.
■ Integrated Staff Operations Tech of the Year – CitizenM & Aphy RPA BV: Acknowledged for introducing robotic process automation to streamline internal processes, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.
■ Resort Tech Innovation of the Year – Belmond: Awarded for leveraging immersive technology to transform the resort experience, creating a truly modern and luxurious stay.
These accolades not only highlighted the ingenuity of the awardees but also served as a barometer for the direction in which the industry is heading – towards a more digital, efficient and guest-centric future.
In-depth discussions and future perspectives The forum was more than an exchange of ideas – it was a forward-thinking exploration into the future of hotel technology. Sessions led by influential voices provided valuable insights into guest personalisation, digital
Hotel Management International /
www.hmi-online.com
content strategy and the integration of AI in everyday hotel operations: ■ Keynote insights: Mariya Donat, director digital content strategy, EAME, at Hyatt Hotels Corporation, opened the final day with a compelling keynote titled ‘Encapsulating Resort Experiences in a Digital Age’. Her presentation emphasised the importance of creating tailored digital experiences that resonate with today’s tech-savvy travellers.
■ Interactive case studies: The collaborative session featuring Felix Undeutsch, CEO at
hivr.ai, alongside Mandy Stam from Radisson Hotel Group, showcased a live demonstration of an AI-powered phone agent. This session offered attendees a firsthand look at how AI can revolutionise operational workflows and drive revenue in meetings and events.
■ Global panel perspectives: The concluding session on ‘Global Perspectives on the Next Generation of Hotel Technology’ brought together industry leaders from around the world, including Paulo Mesquita (COO, Dom Pedro Lisboa Hotel), JS Anand (founder and CEO, LEVA Hotels), and Graham Pope (vice- president international, Cvent). Their discussions provided a nuanced view of how global trends are influencing technological advancements within the hospitality sector.
Additionally, the event featured a thought- provoking fireside chat on secure payment solutions in hotels – a session that underscored the critical need for robust, secure and seamless financial technologies in an increasingly digital world.
Looking ahead: IHTF Asia 2025 The International Hotel Technology Forum 2025 in Algarve was more than a conference; it was a vibrant confluence of ideas, innovation and industry expertise. By bringing together top hotel brands and leading technology providers, the forum not only celebrated current achievements but also set the stage for the next wave of technological advancements in hospitality. As the industry continues to evolve, the insights, collaborations and awards from IHTF Europe 2025 will undoubtedly influence how hotels harness technology to create memorable guest experiences and operational excellence. The future of hospitality is here – and it is decidedly digital, innovative and globally interconnected. As the curtain fell on IHTF Europe 2025,
anticipation was already building for the next chapter in this prestigious series – the International Hotel Technology Forum Asia. Scheduled for 18–19 November 2025 in Singapore, this upcoming event promises to extend the forum’s legacy of innovation and thought leadership, bridging the gap between continents and providing a truly global platform for discussing the future of hospitality technology. ●
21
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31
