At Booking Experts, we build the future of the recreation industry every day. We do this not only by developing advanced software, but also by training the recreation professionals of tomorrow. Last week, Lars had the privilege of giving a guest lecture to four classes of the Saxion Hotelschool in Apeldoorn. The students, possible future employees of our clients or even of Booking Experts itself, showed great interest in the topics at hand: automation in tourism, artificial intelligence (AI), digitalisation and branding/concepting.
We started by exploring the impact of automation on the tourism industry. From automated reservation systems to the use of chatbots and smart technologies by travel companies, automation is increasingly taking over more tasks, allowing businesses to operate more efficiently and providing customers with a personalised experience. For these aspiring professionals, it is essential to not only keep up with these developments but also understand how to use technology to improve their service effectively.
We then turned to the role of AI in tourism. AI is much more than a trend; it is a powerful tool applied in a variety of ways, from personalised travel recommendations to streamlining business processes. The students were particularly interested in how AI can optimise the customer experience, something that is obviously very important in the hospitality industry.
Digitisation was also discussed at length. We discussed how companies are increasingly collecting and using data to better understand customer behaviour and preferences, and how these insights help improve services. It became clear that traditional methods in the hospitality sector are increasingly giving way to data-driven approaches.
Finally, we focused on branding and concepting. This was perhaps the most creative part of the presentation, discussing how recreation companies and tourism destinations can differentiate themselves in a saturated market. A strong brand and a unique concept are not only crucial for attracting guests but also for building a loyal customer base.
It was an inspiring session full of interaction. The students' enthusiasm and curiosity give confidence that these future professionals are ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities of the modern hospitality industry!
Melanie
