The hospitality industry is experiencing a surge in activity, mirroring the broader growth in tourism. Eurostat data reveals that overnight stays in tourist accommodations across the European Union increased by 6.3% last year, reaching a staggering 2,920 million. While this growth is positive, it brings its share of challenges, particularly in sustainability and digitalization. These key issues will be at the forefront of discussions at the upcoming TIS – Tourism Innovation Summit 2024, taking place in Seville, Spain from October 23-25.
This year, the Tourism Innovation Global Summit will once again host the Hospitality Tech Forum. This forum will bring together leading figures from the hotel industry to share strategies and success stories aimed at addressing current challenges. Ángeles Moreno, congress curator of the TIS – Tourism Innovation Summit, highlights the forum’s comprehensive program: “We have designed a very complete program of contents focused on the main challenges and opportunities of the hotel sector, with topics such as Chinese luxury tourism, hotel innovation, and tourism massification taking center stage.” The forum will also delve into advancements in big data, artificial intelligence, and the circular economy, alongside investments and agreements between hotel owners and operators. The program aims to inspire tourism leaders with innovative approaches and cutting-edge solutions.
Sustainability is a central theme of the forum. Leading figures like Elena Martín of Ilunion Hotels, Sascha Gil from United Waterways, Miguel Figueroa of the TUI Care Foundation, and Rolando García of Eurecat will discuss how tourism enterprises can embrace sustainable and circular economy approaches to drastically reduce waste, enhance resource efficiency, and foster environmental stewardship. These discussions will explore practical steps for hotels to minimize their environmental impact, making their operations more eco-friendly.
Alongside sustainability, innovative business models are emerging in the industry. Experts like Sara Matarrubia from Meliá Hotels International, Dafna Martin of Adyen, and Juan Manuel Zapata from The Social Hub will examine these emerging trends. Their discussions will focus on pioneering the design and development of eco-friendly lodging options, including tree houses and glamping setups. These initiatives demonstrate a shift towards more sustainable and immersive travel experiences.
Technology plays a crucial role in achieving sustainability goals. Lucía Martínez, CIO of AR Hotels, Edoardo Colombo, president of Turismi.ai, and Feliks Kasimi from Cientouno Group will explore how leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Big Data can enhance sustainable decision-making in the hotel industry. This includes optimizing energy consumption, reducing waste, and implementing resource management strategies that contribute to a greener footprint. Data analysis is also transforming the Food & Beverage sector, impacting pricing and menu optimization. Experts like Eduardo Serrano, Marga Juan of Barceló Hotel Group, and Esteban Sedano from Hotel Operations at Port Aventura will outline strategies to enhance operational efficiency and boost profitability, particularly in buffet management, ensuring less waste and better utilization of resources.
Technology extends beyond sustainability, playing a vital role in enhancing guest experiences. Industry professionals Raúl Álvarez of Radisson Hotel Group, Carlo Fontana of Hotel Lugano Dante, Albert Arranz from Mews, and Oliver Benalal of Hesperia World will demonstrate how technological advancements like virtual tours, customized recommendations, and interactive guest experiences can boost customer satisfaction and loyalty. These innovative solutions create a more personalized and engaging experience, leading to higher guest satisfaction and repeat business.
With China being the honored guest at TIS2024, the summit will focus on attracting luxury tourism from distant locales, particularly China. Hospitality leaders Pablo Alcantarill from Cavalta Boutique Hotel and Luis Guerrero of Hotel Bécquer and Hotel Kivir will offer insights into transcending cultural barriers and debunking myths, providing effective strategies to attract affluent Chinese tourists to their establishments. This session will explore the cultural nuances of attracting Chinese luxury travelers and showcase the potential for growth in this lucrative market segment.
