In an exciting new development for the hospitality sector, Apaleo has announced a strategic partnership with Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO. This collaboration is set to bring cutting-edge AI applications to hotels, helping hoteliers achieve their business goals while speeding up operations and enhancing guest experiences.
At the heart of this partnership is the FutureHotel Innovation Network project, led by Fraunhofer IAO. The project’s latest study, ‘AI Application Potential Along Digital User Journeys and Its Business Opportunities’, provides a deep dive into how AI can revolutionise the hospitality industry. Although the research is yet to be published, it already aligns perfectly with Apaleo’s mission of continuous innovation through AI.
Hoteliers stand to benefit greatly from this collaboration, which offers practical tools and insights for integrating AI into daily operations. The partnership is designed to help hoteliers identify the right AI technologies to enhance their business, offering a clear framework for AI innovation. From digitising guest experiences to automating operations and centralising property management, the collaboration aims to make AI-driven actions a reality for hotels worldwide.
Ulrich Pillau, CEO and Founder of Apaleo, emphasised the importance of actionable resources for hoteliers: “Hoteliers need clear, actionable resources for AI implementation. Fraunhofer IAO is the ideal partner to provide the latest research in AI innovations for hospitality, complementing Apaleo’s industry expertise. Together, we connect insights from industry leaders to drive innovation. We see many of our customers starting to test and implement AI, and we want to help them and the industry cut through the noise. While AI is becoming essential for relevance in the industry, it’s crucial to distinguish between what’s genuinely actionable and what’s just hype.”
The collaboration is not just about technology but also about fostering a deeper understanding of AI among hoteliers. Industry experts will lead interactive discussions, offering diverse perspectives and insights to support effective AI adoption. This human-centred approach ensures that the technology is implemented in ways that truly benefit both guests and staff.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Vanessa Borkmann, Director of Research at Fraunhofer IAO and Head of the FutureHotel Innovation Network, underscored the partnership’s impact: “Our collaboration with Apaleo in the FutureHotel Innovation Network combines research and practical expertise to provide hoteliers with strategies, tools, and insights for seamless AI integration, enhancing guest and employee experiences and driving business innovation. As part of the study, we focused on AI application along user journeys and identified various use cases. We created a roadmap to guide hotels on their path to an AI strategy. AI will shape the future of the hotel industry and may soon be established in all processes.”
This partnership marks a significant step forward for the hospitality industry, highlighting AI’s potential to transform hotel operations. As AI becomes an essential tool for staying competitive, this collaboration between Apaleo and Fraunhofer IAO will help hoteliers navigate the rapidly changing technological landscape. Hoteliers are encouraged to stay informed through upcoming publications and activities, as AI continues to shape the future of hospitality.
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