HITEC Rewind: Darko Bosancic of Sciant on AI's Upcoming Role in Hospitality

At HITEC 2024, Simone Puorto interviewed Darko Bosancic, Vice President of Business Development for Travel and Hospitality at Sciant, to discuss the company's role and the transformative potential of AI in the hospitality industry. Sciant specializes in providing bespoke software development services, helping clients with integration challenges and tailored solutions.

Introduction and Company Overview

Darko Bosancic introduces himself and his role at Sciant. He explains that Sciant is a software development company that offers services tailored to customer use cases and requirements, particularly in the hospitality industry. Sciant helps clients understand the hospitality ecosystem and achieve their goals by addressing integration and bespoke solution challenges.

Predicting AI's Impact in 2025

Darko provides insights into AI's potential impact on the hospitality industry over the next year. He emphasizes that there are two distinct perspectives: those of hospitality companies and vendors, and those of hoteliers. Currently, these perspectives do not align due to system fragmentation, data access issues, and differing expectations across operational levels.

Aligning Data and Expectations

Darko highlights the importance of aligning data and expectations to fully realize AI's potential in hospitality. He notes that companies that own their property data and effectively implement AI are already seeing benefits. However, those struggling with data access and integration are limited to using AI for basic functions like chatbots.

Revenue Management and Guest Experience

Darko predicts that revenue management systems will be among the first to harness AI's potential, followed by guest experience enhancements. He explains that revenue management historically leads technological advancements in hospitality, making it a natural area for AI integration.

AI's Role in Hospitality Service

Darko addresses concerns about AI replacing human roles in hospitality. He believes that while AI can enhance certain aspects of the industry, it will not replace the core service elements that define hospitality. The goal is to use AI to improve operations and guest experiences, not to eliminate the human touch.

Conclusion

Darko Bosancic's insights underscore the need for data alignment and integration to fully leverage AI in the hospitality industry. Sciant's focus on tailored solutions and integration services positions it as a key player in this transformation. This interview is part of Hospitality Net's HITEC 2024 series, showcasing thought leaders driving innovation in hospitality technology.

Vestaboard - The medium for your most inspired messages

Display what matters most, on a schedule that works for you. Share thoughtful messages, inspiring quotes and beautiful designs with your favorite people, from anywhere in the world. www.vestaboard.com

Technology Technology

Simone Puorto is a techno-philosopher, consultant with over 25 years of international experience, and the prolific author of five best-selling books exploring the intersection of technology and the travel industry.

I've always had an unwavering passion for IT and a deep love for the dynamic world of hospitality. This unique blend of enthusiasm and devotion has fueled my incredible career journey. I began by immersing myself in the nuts and bolts of IT, specializing in implementation, configuration, training, and product launches tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients.

Founded in 1994 in Maastricht, the Netherlands, Hospitality Net is the #1 B2B portal for global hotel professionals and one of the longest-running independent hospitality B2B publications in the world. Hospitality Net acts as a neutral broker and publisher of hotel business information, built on a membership model for all stakeholders in the global hotel industry.

Founded in 1992, Sirma Group Holding (Sirma) is a trusted software technology partner that has been a pioneer in artificial intelligence technologies since its inception. With over 33 years of experience and more than 800 experts, Sirma combines deep vertical knowledge with cutting-edge AI to power the industries the world relies on. The company specializes in custom software development, system integration, and IT consulting, with deep...