The hotel sector in Saudi Arabia is expected to change as a result of new technology, which will deliver individualized visitor experiences, maximize income, and ensure operational and energy efficiency.
The hospitality industry in KSA is preparing to draw in a wave of tech-savvy regional and international tourists by making significant investments in new technologies, such as AI, Internet of Things (IoT), big data, and robotics, as the country emerges as one of the world’s fastest-expanding tourist destinations.
The hospitality industry in Saudi Arabia is preparing to draw an inflow of tech-savvy regional and international tourists by making significant investments in new technology, which will transform the Kingdom’s hotel environment. Saudi Arabia is now one of the tourist destinations with the fastest growth rates in the world.
Ahead of the ‘Hotel & Hospitality Expo’ and its three-day conference, the ‘Hospitality Leaders’ Summit’, which begins next month in Riyadh, leading industry experts said Saudi Arabia’s hotel and hospitality sector is staying ahead of the curve by investing in new technology to optimize their revenue, guest experiences, and operational efficiency.
These occasions will coincide with ‘Index Saudi Arabia’ and the ‘Lighting Design & Technology Expo’, which will take place at the ‘Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre’ from September 10 to 12.
While displaying the most recent technical developments upending the nation’s hotel business, the expo will link producers and suppliers in the hotel and hospitality sectors with clients in the Kingdom.
The Saudi Arabian Minister of Investment’s Chief Strategy and Transformation Advisor, Nadeem Zaman, predicted that as the nation works to increase tourism, more cutting-edge technologies will be adopted.
“The fourth industrial revolution, and in particular AI and IoT, are trying to exert their influence as the industry strives to differentiate itself. Through personalized services, effective energy management solutions, and streamlined operations, expect to see improved guest experiences,” according to Zaman, one of the speakers at this year’s Hospitality Leaders’ Summit.
Leading industry experts will speak at the event about how the Kingdom’s hotel business will use big data, AI, and IoTs to maximize profits and energy efficiency.
Assa Abloy Global Solutions, a significant exhibitor at the upcoming event, said both AI and IoT technologies represent game changers in hotels’ abilities to meet guests’ demands for faster, more convenient and personalized services. Manit Narang is Vice President of hospitality for India, the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey.
“Several organizations in the industry are already implementing solutions like AI-based chatbots, IoT-enabled motion sensors, and lights. As these technologies advance and more solutions become accessible, these adoption patterns will undoubtedly continue to accelerate,” he continued.
According to Zaman, the country’s hotel and hospitality landscape’s future depends on the quick acceptance of novel technical advancements, some of which are already being used in the sector.
To give guests a more immersive experience before arriving, he added, “From smart room controls, voice-activated assistance like Amazon Echo or Google Home, virtual reality and augmented reality, and robotic concierge.”
He used the UK’s Yotel Hotel as an example of how robots were predicted to become increasingly prevalent.
“It would reportedly debut in Oxagon NEOM in 2025 and have high-tech amenities like motorized smart beds and robotic concierges,” he noted.
According to Nimirta H. Lulla, Vice President of Operations, Middle East and Africa at FutureLog Middle East, the Saudi Arabian hotel sector’s expansion indicates a significant opportunity and need for environmentally friendly technical solutions.
With IoT playing a significant role in the management and monitoring of water and energy consumption as well as smart technology playing a crucial role in optimizing in-room guest preferences for lighting and climate control, Lulla said that since sustainability is a key trend in the hospitality industry, now is the ideal time to make eco-conscious decisions in the construction and design of new properties.
She noted that chances for cost savings will continue to be a major consideration when assessing investments in technological solutions. Spend optimization will be a major driver of technology in the Kingdom.
The leading specialists in the sector will speak at this year’s ‘Hospitality Leaders’ Summit’ and address the key trends in the business as well as what the future holds for the hotel industry in the Kingdom.