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Middle East hotels lead $33 billion global technology spend
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According to Paris-based trade publisher Cleverdis, hotels throughout the region are leading the US$ 33 billion global technology spend in hospitality, not just with the countless new developments, but also with older hotels determined to maintain their competitive edge. With management increasingly looking to invest heavily in technology, to compete effectively in the hi-tech arena, The Hotel Show 2007, which takes place at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre (DIEC) on June 3-5, will feature a new Technology & Security Sector.
The use of the latest computerised systems
in Middle East hotels has now become a key
differentiator in attracting foreign visitors
and optimising hotel profits and efficiency.
To accommodate the rapid growth in technology
for the hotel sector, the one thousand square
metre Technology and Security Sector, has
attracted key hotel technology leaders such
as Siemens, Orbit, Key Information Technology,
Al Sayegh and Bond Communications are participating.
Maggie Moore, Exhibition Director, The Hotel
Show 2007, commented, “Many hotels throughout
the region now consider technological infrastructure
as a valuable long-term asset and not just
a capital expense. New technologies’ decisions
are now strategic, taking into account guest
needs, new revenue streams, and returns on
investment. Our new Technology & Security
Sector is a testament to the importance of
technology in the hospitality sector.”
Existing hotels in many countries throughout the region are playing ‘catch-up’ when it comes to implementing new technology. They are installing, updating and renewing their systems on an ongoing basis. Meanwhile, Other new hotels and projects in the Gulf region are leading global technology spends, said to be worth in excess of US$ 33 billion annually.
Traditionally, the Middle East has focused on the luxury end of the market. However the budget sector is becoming increasingly important. These mid-market hotels have to run efficiently if they are to attract market share and establish their niche. In this day and age, they can only do this if they have the technology that the modern traveller expects and takes for granted.
From a guest's perspective, wireless internet access has become increasingly important, alongside the latest digital pay to view and video on demand.
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