Greek Hoteliers Admit Need to Tap Into New Technologies and AI

The urgent need for hotels and hotel owners in Greece to integrate new technologies into their working models in order to remain competitive and at the same time accessible was at the center of an event focusing on AI (artificial intelligence) and big data analysis.

Organized by the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels (HCH) and Capsule T Travel & Hospitality Accelerator, Greece’s first travel and hospitality accelerator, the event brought together sector experts who exchanged ideas and knowhow.

The HCH is also a partner of the Smart Attica European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH), which specializes in the digital transformation of SMEs.

Hellenic Chamber of Hotels Alexandros Vassilikos.

Speaking during the event, the chamber’s president, Alexandros Vassilikos, underlined the importance of hoteliers keeping up to date with the changing times and explained the chamber’s role as EDIH partner.

The event’s panel discussions focused on the need for hotels to tap into big data analysis and AI and on smart solutions for sustainable and upgraded destinations and cities.

The first panel “Big Data and Artificial Intelligence” included an open discussion between Christina Tetradis (Zante Hospitality Group), Evgenios Vassilikos (Capital H Hospitality) and Konstantinos Santikos (Santikos Collection) on the needs and opportunities of Big Data management, as well as on the challenges created by the entrance of AI in the entire range of communication with visitors.

Some key conclusions included the need for hoteliers and executives to test new systems and technologies and for ongoing training of staff in new technologies and applications. Overall, speaker concluded that AI can serve as a useful tool that simplifies processes and gives hoteliers and executives more time to analyze data and insights in order to devise better strategies.

During the second panel titled “Smart solutions for sustainable cities and tourist destinations”, there was an open discussion on the creation and implementation of smart and sustainable solutions that upgrade cities and tourist destinations and how Greek hotels contribute with good practices in that direction. The panel included Elsa Exarchou (Mikro Papigo 1700 Hotel & Spa), Alexandros Angelopoulos (Aldemar Resorts) and Yiannis Tsichlis (Grecotel).

Moreover, during the event, the president of the Institute for Tourism Research and Forecasts (ITEP), Konstantina Svynou, presented the new findings of a study with insights on the possibilities of technology and AI in hotel businesses.

Lastly, six startups presented solutions applicable to tourism enterprises with a focus on big data, operations, mobility, accessibility and smart cities.