IHCL Goa hosted Tech Fest 2026 at Taj Cidade de Goa, bringing together engineering leaders, hospitality professionals, and technology partners to explore how smart infrastructure and sustainable innovations are shaping the future of hospitality.

The event highlighted the growing role of technology in enhancing operational efficiency, improving guest experiences, and supporting environmentally responsible hotel operations. As sustainability and digital transformation become increasingly important across the hospitality sector, the showcase focused on solutions designed to create smarter, safer, and more resource-efficient hotels.

Among the technologies on display were smart energy management systems, predictive maintenance solutions, and IoT-enabled monitoring platforms that use real-time data to optimise electricity, water, and fuel consumption while improving asset management.

The exhibition also featured energy-efficient chillers designed to reduce energy usage and carbon emissions, alongside advanced indoor air quality systems implemented at Taj Cidade de Goa that maintain PM2.5 levels below 10. Robotic carpet and floor cleaning systems demonstrated how automation can improve operational efficiency while enabling associates to focus on personalised guest service.

Innovation extended to engineering and sustainability operations through intelligent LPG safety systems, digital metering, renewable energy solutions, and integrated sustainability dashboards that enable hotels to monitor and manage resources more effectively.

Additional technologies included next-generation water bottling plants aimed at reducing single-use plastics, energy-generating fitness equipment, immersive audiovisual solutions for events, and circular economy initiatives such as in-house sludge treatment and biogas generation that convert waste into reusable resources.

Commenting on the occasion, Ranjit Phillipose, Senior Vice President – Operations, IHCL Goa, said, "As we celebrate innovation at this Tech Fest 2026, let us remember that every sensor installed, every kilowatt saved, every litre of water conserved and every kilogram of waste recycled is not just a technological achievement but also it is a commitment to future generations. Let us lead that future with innovation, responsibility and purpose."

Through Tech Fest 2026, IHCL Goa reinforced its commitment to integrating technology, sustainability, and operational excellence while advancing responsible luxury hospitality across its portfolio.

Hilton has announced an exclusive partnership with Be My Eyes, an innovative app designed to assist individuals who are blind or have low vision. This collaboration aims to provide more accessible experiences for guests across the US and Canada, leveraging AI-powered assistance and live support from specially trained Hilton agents.

Be My Eyes, a popular app offering free assistance through live video and AI, has been a game-changer for visually impaired individuals. Hilton first teamed up with Be My Eyes in 2023 to train the app’s “Be My AI” feature, a tool powered by OpenAI GPT-4, to recognize objects and help users navigate hotel room layouts.

This partnership has now expanded to include Hilton Reservations and Customer Care agents, who are specifically trained to provide real-time support to visually impaired guests during their stay. Guests can now connect with Hilton agents via the Be My Eyes app for personalized assistance, such as adjusting thermostats, operating coffee machines, and more. This service is available across several Hilton brands, including Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, and Hampton by Hilton.

Users in the US and Canada can easily access Hilton’s services through the app's “Service Directory” under the “Hotels” category. This feature allows guests to connect with Hilton agents through live video for on-the-spot assistance, ensuring a more seamless and accessible experience during their stay.

Mike Gathright, Hilton's Senior Vice President of Customer Excellence and Innovation, shared the company’s commitment to inclusive hospitality: “We believe that every guest – regardless of ability or any other factor – deserves a reliable and friendly travel experience, and we are proud to partner with Be My Eyes to make that more of a reality for thousands of Be My Eyes users.”

Hilton’s ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility reflect the company’s dedication to providing inclusive services for all guests. By integrating AI and human support, Hilton is setting a new benchmark for accessible travel.

A Wider Context

This initiative comes at a time when the hotel industry is navigating challenges on multiple fronts. Recently, Hilton workers near Seattle airport joined a strike involving 4,375 hotel employees across the US, including workers from Hyatt and Marriott. These strikes have been taking place in cities such as Honolulu, Boston, San Francisco, and Seattle, as hotel staff push for better working conditions.

Despite these challenges, Hilton’s partnership with Be My Eyes demonstrates the company’s ongoing commitment to guest experience innovation and inclusivity, ensuring that hospitality remains accessible to all.

At the Hotelogix & AxisRooms Connect 2024, ShepHertz showcased its groundbreaking AI technology, marking a significant leap in the hospitality sector. The event, held in partnership with industry leaders like Booking.com, HostBooks Limited, and PayU, highlighted ShepHertz’s advanced AI bot, which transformed guest interactions through seamless touchless check-ins, real-time notifications, and dynamic visitor management. Features such as facial recognition and comprehensive data analytics captivated attendees, demonstrating the AI bot’s potential to enhance the guest experience significantly.

Siddhartha Chandurkar, Founder & CEO of ShepHertz, expressed his excitement about the overwhelming response, noting the unprecedented interest in their AI-driven solutions. The company’s suite of tools, including the AI Concierge, AI Butler, AI-based Banquet Plate Counter, AI Front Desk, and AI-based Interview Assistant, received high praise for their role in streamlining operations and improving guest engagement. Additionally, ShepHertz’s talentanywhere.ai platform impressed many with its AI-driven recruitment process, offering a more efficient and transparent approach to hiring.

The event also featured insights from notable industry figures and saw enthusiastic participation from over 100 hoteliers, underscoring the growing importance of AI in hospitality. As a leader in cloud-based infrastructure and digital solutions, ShepHertz continues to set the standard for technological innovation. Trusted by global companies like IndiGo Airlines and Reliance Entertainment, ShepHertz remains committed to advancing digital transformation with its suite of AI-powered solutions, including talentanywhere.ai and workAnywhere. For more information, visit ShepHertz and talentanywhere.ai.  

About ShepHertz:
ShepHertz is a leading platform company specializing in AI, Big Data, and API technologies. Their mission is to empower enterprises with state-of-the-art technology for agile digital transformation. The company’s product line includes advanced solutions in Facial Recognition, Object Detection, Recommendation Systems, Chat Bots, Anomaly Detection, OCR, and Predictive Analytics. Through platforms like talentanywhere.ai, ShepHertz is dedicated to revolutionizing the recruitment process and creating a seamless, future-ready workforce management experience.