How has hospitality tech changed in recent years?
There has been a noticeable shift in mindset across the industry, with operators recognizing that they cannot remain where they are and are actively looking for new directions. There is more openness to change, more investment entering the sector, and a sense that the industry is catching up after lagging behind.
AI is now becoming a real factor rather than an experimental tool. Where previously it was being tested, it is now being applied in practical ways across operations. This includes areas such as housekeeping and maintenance, where automation is being enhanced through AI.
There are also changes in how hotels communicate with guests, with more direct and immediate channels such as messaging platforms becoming standard.
How can hotels build flexible tech stacks?
A key challenge is addressing data silos. Hotels need to ensure that their data is structured in a way that allows AI to operate effectively.
Many companies are reviewing their technology stacks to understand what needs to change in order to onboard AI. Systems that are fragmented or disconnected limit the ability to fully utilize AI capabilities.
Creating a more connected data environment is essential for enabling AI to deliver meaningful value.
How can hotels deliver meaningful personalization?
There has been a tendency to think of personalization in extremes, but much of the opportunity lies in what can be achieved through automation.
Many forms of personalization can be delivered without additional manual effort by using AI and automation to act on available data. This allows hotels to provide tailored experiences at scale without increasing operational complexity.
Where personalization requires manual intervention, it becomes more difficult to execute consistently. The focus should be on using technology to automate and scale these experiences where possible.
What are you most excited about for Dharma in the next year?
There is a strong focus on building new partnerships and developing new features that will support clients more effectively.
These developments are expected to enhance the platform’s capabilities and provide new opportunities for hospitality operators as they continue to adopt AI and modernize their technology stacks.
🎧 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.
