In Conversation at ITB 2026 with Ruben Verplancke of Guestway

In this In Conversation episode, recorded at ITB Berlin 2026, we speak with Ruben Verplancke, Co-founder at Guestway, about how hospitality technology is evolving as AI adoption grows and the focus shifts toward supporting teams rather than replacing them.

As AI adoption grows in hospitality, the focus is shifting toward technology that supports teams rather than replaces them.

  • The importance of designing technology for operational teams
  • The role of AI as an assistant rather than a replacement
  • The need for stable core systems in an increasingly complex tech landscape
  • How layered innovation can reduce fragmentation
  • The importance of supporting long-term customer growth and retention

Watch the full interview below

Here is a summary of our interview with Ruben

Is tech enhancing hospitality or getting in the way?

Technology needs to be built for the teams using it on a day-to-day basis. The focus should be on enabling those teams and making their work easier, rather than trying to replace them.

When technology supports operational teams effectively, it allows them to focus on delivering better guest experiences. Designing systems in a way that improves how teams work ultimately leads to better outcomes for both staff and guests.

Where is AI delivering real impact today?

AI is most effective when used for analysis, monitoring and providing overviews. It can help detect patterns, assess performance and support decision-making.

Examples include monitoring guest sentiment, identifying risk profiles and analyzing booking performance. These are areas where AI can deliver value without replacing human involvement.

The role of AI is to support teams while keeping humans in control of decisions.

Can hotels stay agile without chasing every trend?

The growing number of technology solutions in the market can create confusion and fragmentation. Operators are often faced with multiple tools across areas such as communication, reviews and operations.

To manage this, it is important to have a stable property management system as a foundation. This provides reliability and consistency across operations.

On top of that, adding a single layer of innovation helps hotels stay up to date without introducing unnecessary complexity. Working with a trusted platform allows operators to adopt new features while avoiding fragmentation and maintaining focus.

What are you most excited about for Guestway in the next year?

Guestway has expanded significantly, now supporting customers globally.

The focus moving forward is on continued growth while ensuring customers remain supported as technology evolves. This includes helping clients stay up to date with new developments and building long-term partnerships that allow them to grow together.

🎧 Listen to more interviews from the ITB 2026 series, where we speak with hospitality and travel tech leaders about the future of the industry.

If you want to understand how your brand stays visible and relevant as AI continues to shape hospitality technology, get in touch with Abode Worldwide.

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