After attending HSMAI and HITEC in San Antonio, one takeaway stood above the AI hype: technology isn't changing what makes hotels successful—it's amplifying it. Read on for key insights into how hospitality leaders are navigating change and preparing for the future.
HITEC 2026 was one for the books! Watch the recap and experience the energy, innovation, and great moments shared by the Hospitality Upgrade team in San Antonio. See you at HITEC 2027 in Orlando!
What once looked like satire in "The Jetsons" now resembles the future of work: humans directing AI systems that execute, sequence and accelerate increasingly complex tasks. As AI becomes more integrated into daily operations, employees are shifting from tasks execution to oversight, strategy and collaboration.
AI is transforming the workforce faster than industries can adjust, and hospitality may be next to feel the consequences. As roles shrink and career mobility slows, a bigger question emerges: if fewer people have stable jobs or rising incomes, who will still be able to travel? Lyle Worthington writes about AI’s threats to the workforce, travel and humanity. Read the full article here.
In case you missed it, check out HU's industry interviews on YouTube!
MCOMS is one of the leading guest-facing solution providers for the hospitality, cruise ship and healthcare industries. With offices in North America, Middle East and Africa, Europe and APAC, MCOMS designs, develops and operates advanced IPTV, VOD, Mobile, Casting and signage solutions for smart TVs, set-top boxes, smartphones, tablets and digital signage monitors. Find out more here.
IRIS provides digital F&B ordering, guest directory and concierge solutions for hotels, empowering them to increase revenue by 20%, free up staff time, and enrich the guest experience. Working with some of the leading hotel chains including Marriott, Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons, Ennismore and IHG and fully integrated with POS, IRIS enables guests to browse, order and pay for items and services across multiple outlets in the most seamless, accessible way possible. Find out more here.
ABOUT US: HOSPITALITY UPGRADE is the media division of HFTP, serving hotel, travel and foodservice technology professionals. Each publication educates professionals on the latest hospitality technology software and hardware news, trends and solutions. The views and opinions of our writers are not necessarily the views of HFTP.
The Watercooler is a low-frequency newsletter (no inbox overload) - delivered twice monthly.
