How can hotels avoid fragmented tech stacks?
Fragmentation is becoming a major issue across hospitality technology. Many operators have invested heavily in multiple systems over recent years, often without fully considering how those systems integrate or how data flows between them.
Even smaller operators are managing between four and six systems, while larger groups may be working across significantly more. This has created complexity, increased costs and made it more difficult to scale operations efficiently.
As hotels attempt to implement AI, this fragmentation is becoming more visible, as disconnected systems limit the ability to use data effectively and reduce the potential impact of AI.
How can hotels stay agile without chasing every trend?
Innovation should not be pursued for its own sake. Hotels need to focus on their specific business challenges and identify what is preventing progress.
This could relate to distribution, guest experience, communication, housekeeping or visibility across new channels such as AI-driven search.
Technology alone will not solve these challenges. Hotels need to consider people, processes and technology together. Starting with the most important business problem and addressing it step by step allows for more effective and sustainable progress.
What tech shift should hotels watch this year?
A key shift is the need to address fragmentation in order to unlock the value of AI. Without connected systems and clean data, AI cannot deliver meaningful results.
At the same time, there is a growing focus on improving efficiency in an industry facing ongoing staff shortages. Reducing time spent on managing and fixing systems is critical.
Research shows that many properties are spending significant time each week resolving technology issues rather than focusing on innovation.
Deeper integration between systems is emerging as an important trend. For example, integrating revenue management insights directly into property management systems allows users to access information in one place, improving decision-making and saving time.
There is also a shift in the skills required within hospitality teams. A new type of role is emerging that combines hospitality knowledge with technical expertise, enabling teams to manage systems, understand data and work more effectively with technology partners.
What are you most excited about for RMS in the next year?
RMS is focused on delivering practical value through improved products, deeper integrations and a clear AI roadmap.
The company is working closely with partners to enhance connectivity between systems and improve how data is used across hotel operations.
There is also a strong focus on delivering measurable outcomes for customers, with a commitment to clear communication about what technology can realistically achieve.
This approach is being well received, as operators look for solutions that deliver real results rather than overpromising new capabilities.
🎧 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.
