Oviedo, elected as the Spanish Gastronomy Capital for 2024, will welcome attendees to the 7th National Congress on Tourism Innovation on the 13th and 14th of May. The prestigious event, organized by the hospitality and tourism industry association, OTEA, will gather over 300 professionals from across Spain.
Dynamic Pricing in the Culinary World
One of the main future-oriented topics to be discussed is the introduction of dynamic pricing in restaurants, mirroring strategies already implemented by hotels and airlines. The president of OTEA suggests that meal prices could fluctuate based on demand, a practice that aims to break conventional barriers in the culinary industry. The cost of a dish might vary with the time of the day, week, or season, promoting sales during less popular times.
Embracing Artificial Intelligence and Human Talent
Furthermore, the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence in better managing customer service within the tourism industry will be a major point of discussion. The focus will also be on sustainability, with Asturias showcasing its ongoing efforts and inviting others to share their successful strategies. The essential role of human talent and the importance of ongoing training will be emphasized, recognizing that excellence in hospitality is rooted in innovation and learning.
The event promises to be inclusive, addressing the needs of various segments within the tourism sector including hotels, campsites, rural tourism, and the restaurant industry. Designed to be of maximum benefit to these subsectors, the program includes tailored sessions for each field. The full agenda can be reviewed for those interested in the details of the congress.
Importance of Innovation in Tourism
Tourism innovation is crucial to adapt to the ever-evolving market demands and the changing travel landscape. The 7th National Congress on Tourism Innovation in Oviedo will serve as a platform to share insights, emerging trends, and practices that can influence the industry. Discussions on topics like dynamic pricing and artificial intelligence reflect the industry’s need to embrace technological advances to stay competitive.
Key Challenges and Controversies
Dynamic Pricing Concerns: While dynamic pricing in the culinary world can lead to increased revenue and balanced demand, there are concerns about customer perception and fairness. Price fluctuations can lead to confusion and dissatisfaction amongst customers if not implemented transparently.
Artificial Intelligence Integration: Though AI can improve efficiency and customer service, there is a debate about the potential loss of human jobs and the impersonality that technology might bring to the hospitality industry, which traditionally values personalized service.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
1. Dynamic pricing can optimize restaurant revenues and manage demand during peak and off-peak periods.
2. Employing AI in tourism can enhance customer experience through personalization and improve operational efficiency.
3. The Congress promotes knowledge exchange, networking, and collaborative innovation efforts, benefitting all tourism subsectors.
Disadvantages:
1. Dynamic pricing may alienate loyal customers who are accustomed to consistent pricing.
2. Over-reliance on AI could reduce human employment opportunities and may compromise the personal touch in hospitality services.
Related to the event’s theme, one might explore the website of the World Tourism Organization, which provides a global perspective on tourism trends and innovation: UNWTO.
Additionally, those interested in the development of Artificial Intelligence within the tourism industry may refer to the main website of the International Federation for Information Technologies and Travel & Tourism: IFITT.
For professionals keen on the Spanish tourism market and initiatives like those discussed during the congress, the official website of Spain’s Secretary of State for Tourism might be valuable: Tourism of Spain.
The information provided suggests both the broad relevance and potential contentious points arising from innovation in tourism. It also notes the ongoing need for the industry to balance technological adoption with customer satisfaction and job security.
The source of the article is from the blog publicsectortravel.org.uk