Shiji hosts webinar on AI and integration in hotels: Challenges and opportunities

CHINA – A recent webinar hosted by Shiji, a global technology provider for the hospitality, retail, and entertainment industries, brought industry leaders together to examine how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and integration are reshaping the hotel industry.

Panelists explored the opportunities and challenges presented by advanced technologies, highlighting their growing impact on guest experiences and operational efficiency.

The rise of AI in hospitality

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly gaining traction in the hospitality sector. According to recent statistics, AI adoption in the industry is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.1% between 2023 and 2030.

Nearly half (47%) of hospitality businesses plan to increase their AI investments within the next two years, driven by its potential to improve both customer experiences and internal operations.

“AI is a tool, not a magic solution,” noted Howard Phung of Pro-Invest Group during the webinar. “Its value lies in its thoughtful application, ensuring it enhances—not replaces—human interaction.”

Hotels are increasingly utilizing AI to transform various aspects of their operations. In the realm of customer experience, 78% of hotels have adopted AI tools such as chatbots and virtual concierges to improve guest interactions.

Luxury hotels are leading the charge, with 85% using AI to offer personalized services tailored to individual preferences.

AI has also proven to be a game-changer in operational efficiency. Tools driven by AI are helping hotels cut costs significantly, with predictive maintenance alone reducing annual maintenance expenses by as much as 30%.

In the area of revenue management, AI-powered systems are delivering impressive results, driving a 15% average increase in RevPAR (Revenue Per Available Room). This underscores the potential of AI to enhance data-driven strategies and maximize profitability in the hospitality industry.

Integration: Bridging the gap in hotel technology

While AI offers exciting possibilities, integration remains a significant hurdle. The panel emphasized that seamless connectivity between systems is vital for leveraging the full potential of AI.

APIs, described as “digital bridges” by Terence Ronson of Pertlink, are key to connecting legacy systems with modern platforms.

“Guests don’t care about your tech stack—they care about their experience,” said Ronson. “Hotels need systems that work together seamlessly to empower staff and create meaningful stays.”

Cloud adoption is another area where the industry is evolving. By 2025, 60% of travel bookings are expected to be influenced by AI algorithms, signaling a shift toward more data-driven personalization.

However, many hotels are opting for hybrid systems, balancing legacy infrastructure with cloud-native platforms to maintain flexibility while addressing security concerns.

Shiji’s webinar highlighted an essential truth: technology is not about adding complexity but simplifying processes to deliver memorable guest experiences.

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