Showcase smart technology and other hospitality solutions

The Hotel Technology Expansion Summit, organised by deal facilitation company Naseba, in partnership with Hospitality Financial & Technology Professionals (HFTP), concluded on November 23 at the Sofitel the Palm Resort and Spa in Dubai.

Announcing this, Naseba said that the two-day summit gathered 150 hoteliers, hospitality executives and decision-makers within the hospitality industry, including CEOs, heads of IT, technology, sales and marketing, revenue directors, procurement directors, managing directors and general managers from various international hotel chains and brands.

Philippe Harb, Chief Operating Officer, One to One Hotels and Resorts; Rami Moukarzel, Vice President Development and Acquisitions – MENA, Louvre Hotels Group; Laurent Voivenel, Chief Executive Officer, Hospitality Management Holding – HMH; Denis Sorin, President of Hotel Operations, Dur Hospitality

The participants, Naseba informed, were introduced to smart technology, mobile apps and digital solutions to streamline their administrative processes and enhance guest experience. They also heard from industry leaders like Hideo Sawada, President of Huis Ten Bosch, Naseba said, who focused on the use of robots in hotels, based on his experience of running Henn-na, purportedly the world’s first robot-staffed hotel.

According to Naseba, a few of the other topics covered at the event were viability of hotel automation, streamlining hospitality supply chains through smart networks and the importance of centralising IT and embracing disruptive technologies. Attendees also reportedly participated in a “networking hub”, where they could connect with up to 20 fellow hospitality professionals in one-on-one sessions.