BENIDORM. Eleventh annual AVE Tourism Day, which took place at the Terra Mítica theme park in Benidorm, organized two debates that have a significant impact on the tourism industry. On the one hand heIntroduction of robotization in certain phases of hotel and hospitality work and retaining and attracting talent in companies.
In the case of robotization, although it is in its early stages in Spain, especially if we compare it to international leaders, its potential to revolutionize the industry is huge. This was stated by his moderator Manuel Cabañas, EY’s technology transformation partner, when the interventions began. In addition, she emphasized the needreinvents the hospitality and hospitality sector and bets on the implementation of robotization and automation as essential catalysts of unstoppable digital transformation. “These technologies, in addition to optimizing operations and improving the customer experience, open new avenues for innovation and sustainability in the industry,” he explained.
Isidro Fernandez, CEO of Bumerania Robotics, whose company has already supplied some of thebots to bars and hotels, he wanted to add the need to “understand robotics as a growth tool in the service of people, companies and society”. “We don’t see it as a threat, but as an opportunity that, if we know how to use it, will help us multiply our productivity. We are in the midst of a technological revolution, the most significant and transformative since the Industrial Revolution. We have a unique opportunity, each of us, from our personal sphere and from our companies, to become an asset of that transformation and those who do not get on that train will be left behind,” Fernández emphasized that the goal of His product is to improve the customer experience and improve productivity in the company ” Both aspects can coexist,” he said.
from his side Javier Garcia, Vice President of Magic Costa Blanca and President of the Institute of Hotel Technology (ITH) wanted to clarify that “in terms of the sector as a whole, the use of robotics in the hotel industry is expected to increase by more than 25%. years, and specifically in hotel services 16%. Collaborative robotics or cobots will be very relevant in the sector in the coming years, as they will provide support and improve operational processes such as cleaning tasks, logistics or restaurant services, among others.
“At Magic Costa Blanca, together with ITH, we promoted the pioneering Cobots project aimed at supporting the efficiency of hotels. The main data obtained from this project include cA 700% increase in traffic, a 30% improvement in service speed and a 25% increase in customer satisfaction are worth noting.“, he emphasized in his speech, which also emphasized that the robot also helps reduce sick leave and save costs.
Sergio Santamaría, the co-founder of La Mesedora agreed with the rest of the speakers that “robotization is coming to the hospitality sector to increase productivity and make the sector more efficient. This efficiency results in improved working and salary conditions for our teams, in addition to eliminating work with little added value.” Santamería recounted the experience of incorporating robots into his hotel facility in a bar in an industrial zone in Algemesí. “The robot has improved the logistics of waiters, they no longer drive around as much and lose contact with the customer; What’s more, you’ll be better served because most repetitive tasks are done by a robot” he emphasized.
The role of companies as drivers of talent in the sector was another topic of this edition’s roundtable discussions. at this point Gabriel Aliago, responsible for people and well-being at Artiem Hotels, emphasized the importance of cross-cutting and responsible business management and underlined the company’s intention to inspire people to happiness. In addition, Aliaga emphasized that “at Artiem, we firmly believe that the more talent is given, the more it responds. It is essential to listen to new generations and always work with people and for people. Our purpose and our values must be shared and lived within the company.” In his speech, Aliaga also emphasized the importance of feeling part of the organization: “We want our associates to feel part of ARTIEM, our FreshPeople. However, we are aware that not everyone can make this commitment, which is why we carefully select those who share and know how to live our values.”
Iñaki Etxegia, CEO of the Ferrero Tennis Academy, brought to the table a topic as relevant as training, stressing that in his case, “coaches of any sport find it difficult to find specific and complete training in their field. Federations offer courses but they are very theoretical and you have to learn through experience. In fact, we place much more emphasis on attitude than knowledge when hiring. If the worker’s values are in line with the company’s work philosophy, it is very easy for him to learn and improve. Training workers on how to be better and the values they should display adds value to the company and fosters a sense of belonging.”
Jesus Romerofounder and CEO of the company tourist comfort, he emphasized that “the increase in prices in the sector that we are experiencing requires an improvement in the quality of service in order to balance the value paid and the perceived value. And we achieve this by training the staff.” Turiscool is Mra platform that helps the hotel sector to raise the level of the team to provide better service and be more competitive and responds to this need.
director of the Hortensia Herrero Foundation, Alejandra Silvestre, wanted to convey that “it is essential from the foundation to transfer enthusiasm to our projects and to support the motivation of workers to feel part of the projects”. “Offering an active brokerage service at the Hortensia Herrero Art Center to bring contemporary art closer to visitors means having qualified staff in the rooms, trained in art and history and languages,” he added.
moderator, Elena FernandezCEO of EDEM Business School, also wanted to convey that “To make work in the tourism sector inspiring, both companies and the education sector must take responsibility.. Companies that offer continuous training and updates to their employees, and the education sector with the understanding that it is necessary to educate in the reality that students will later find in companies. Training in both technique and values. And for that, a constant dialogue between the two worlds is necessary.”
