Bringing together industry leaders, hotel experts and cutting-edge technology providers, IHTF MENA delved into the latest trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the hotel industry.
Key themes from the conference
Throughout the two-day event, the central themes included the role of personalisation, the integration of AI in hospitality, and the delicate balance between technology and human interaction. Experts emphasised that while AI and automation are driving major advancements, the human touch remains essential. Panellists discussed how tech should augment, not replace, human service in hotels and restaurants.
One critical area of focus was cybersecurity – with the increasing number of digital touchpoints in hotels, protecting guest data and safeguarding against breaches was top of mind. This led to a fascinating exchange on how hotels can stay ahead of the curve while ensuring robust security practices. The event also highlighted the growing influence of Gen Z and Gen Alpha on tech buying decisions, with younger generations showing a strong preference for highly integrated, seamless digital experiences. As these generations’ expectations evolve, so too must the technology solutions hotels offer.
Hot sessions and thoughtprovoking discussions
Several standout sessions sparked significant engagement and debate. The panel ‘Let the Site be the Hero’ addressed how hotel heritage sites can play a role in increasing tourism by blending rich history with modern luxury. Speakers like Turab Saleem from Knight Frank MENA and Hakan Ozkasikci of Kerzner International presented compelling arguments for the value of integrating historical properties with cuttingedge hotel technology.
The session ‘From Tech to Table’ focused on the food and beverage (F&B) sector, exploring how restaurants in hotels are balancing digital solutions with the human experience. Industry experts such as Andrew Burns, director of F&B at Atlantis Resorts, and Pratik Rajgarhia, director of F&B at Radisson Hotel Group, shared their insights into the evolving dynamics between tech and personal service in the culinary space. Meanwhile, the session titled ‘Navigating Tech Buying Decisions to Create a Unique and Exciting Experience for Every Guest’ was a deep dive into the purchasing decisions behind hotel technology. How do hoteliers decide what tools will elevate the guest experience, and how can technology suppliers position themselves as essential partners in creating bespoke, memorable stays?
Riding the wave of technological empowerment
Miklós Belán, founder and CEO of Everguest, delivered a compelling keynote on how embracing technology, especially AI, can empower hospitality staff while enhancing guest services. Far from replacing human employees, AI can complement their roles by providing insights and automating routine tasks, allowing staff to focus on more complex, emotional aspects of guest interactions. Amani Bouachir of Technogym took the audience through the “Elevating Guest Experiences” session, showcasing how fitness technology can elevate both the guest experience and operational efficiency in hospitality settings.
Networking and business opportunities
Beyond the thought-provoking sessions, IHTF MENA 2025 also provided invaluable opportunities for networking. Attendees engaged in pre-scheduled oneto- one meetings, discussing potential collaborations with key industry leaders and exploring the latest solutions offered by tech providers. Discussions around investment opportunities and the emerging hospitality job market also shed light on trends shaping the future workforce in the sector.
The event provided valuable market intelligence, with insights into the key challenges and trends impacting the hospitality industry, including sustainability, AI and the continued rise of personalisation in guest services.
Looking ahead: the future of hospitality technology
As we look to 2025 and beyond, IHTF MENA sets the stage for an exciting period of technological transformation in the hospitality industry. From the ongoing integration of AI to evolving tech operations and IT management, the future promises a more personalised, secure and innovative guest experience.
Whether it’s through the use of AI to predict and personalise service or through harnessing the power of digital tools to improve sustainability efforts, the conference reminded us that technology is not here to replace the human experience – it’s here to enhance it. As the industry moves forward, balancing innovation with human connection will be key to staying ahead in this rapidly changing landscape.
