2023 Travel Trends: AI Integration, Staff Shortages, and Cybersecurity Challenges

2023 Travel Trends: AI Integration, Staff Shortages, and Cybersecurity Challenges

By Author

Published on December 31, 2023

In a data-driven overview, the travel and tourism industry is poised for a robust return to pre-COVID-19 levels, marking a remarkable comeback despite persistent challenges in staffing, cybersecurity concerns, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI).

International tourism, a significant indicator of recovery, is expected to reach 90% of pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2023, according to data from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The period between January and September witnessed a 38% increase in international tourist arrivals, totaling an estimated 975 million.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili commented, "International tourism has almost completely recovered from the unprecedented crisis of Covid-19, with many destinations reaching or even exceeding pre-pandemic arrivals and receipts. This is critical for destinations, businesses, and communities where the sector is a major lifeline."

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The global market share of the travel and tourism industry has bounced back impressively, accounting for 7.6% of global GDP in 2022, with projections indicating a rise to 9.2% by the end of 2023. In 2019, this figure stood at 10.4% of global GDP.

As the industry experiences this resurgence, three main challenges have emerged in 2023 and are expected to persist into 2024, as highlighted by analysts from GlobalData.

1. AI Takes Center Stage

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a transformative force across industries, and the travel sector is no exception. AI applications in tourism include monitoring hotel room maintenance, optimizing energy usage, demand forecasting, and adjusting room availability accordingly.

Nicholas Wyatt, Head of Analysis at GlobalData Travel and Tourism, notes, "Hotel operators are still trying to get to grips with this emerging yet possibly transformative technology, but many within the industry see great potential in it." Generative AI, particularly for labor-intensive and repetitive tasks, is gaining traction, allowing staff to focus on enhancing guest experiences.

AI chatbots, capable of making recommendations and addressing FAQs effectively, are becoming commonplace, inspired by successful models like Expedia's generative AI chatbot.

2. Chronic Staff Shortages

The travel industry grapples with a persistent issue of staff shortages, further exacerbated by the challenges of luring back workers who left during the pandemic. AI is positioned as a potential solution by freeing up staff time, allowing personnel to focus on customer service.

From 2022 to 2032, the travel and tourism sector is projected to add 126 million new jobs, according to the World Travel and Tourism’s Staff Shortages report. However, the industry faces obstacles, including political decisions affecting immigration policies, potentially shrinking the talent pool.

3. Cybersecurity Concerns

In 2023, cybersecurity breaches have become a growing concern for the travel and tourism sector. High-profile incidents, such as the cyberattack on MGM Resorts in September, and the data breach at Hilton in January, highlight the vulnerability of the industry.

Megan Cross, Associate Analyst at GlobalData Travel and Tourism, emphasizes the need for robust cybersecurity measures, especially given the industry's possession of highly valuable and sensitive guest data. The rise of digital platforms necessitates advanced cybersecurity practices to maintain customer trust in 2024.

Despite these challenges, the average stock prices of leading travel and tourism companies have remained steady throughout 2023, signaling resilience in the face of adversity. As the industry continues to recover, staying ahead in cybersecurity practices and embracing AI will be pivotal for sustained growth and customer trust.


Hotelogix Integrates AI to Empower Hotels with Smart Automation

Hotelogix Integrates AI to Empower Hotels with Smart Automation

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 8, 2025

Taking a major leap toward smarter hospitality, Hotelogix, a global leader in cloud-based hospitality technology, has announced the integration of advanced AI features into its trusted Hotel Property Management System (Hotel PMS). This move is set to empower hotels across the world with automation, real-time intelligence, and sharper decision-making, enabling them to deliver more efficient operations and elevated guest experiences.

With AI now woven into the fabric of its platform, Hotelogix is helping properties unlock value across every touchpoint of hotel management. From optimizing metasearch bids and web content for better conversions, to enabling smart inventory tracking, demand forecasting, and resource optimization in F&B operations — the platform is designed for operational excellence.

For revenue management, hotels can now use AI to analyze booking patterns, competitor rates, and market shifts to dynamically adjust pricing — leading to better occupancy and profitability. Reputation management also gets a boost, with AI-driven tools helping hotels analyze guest reviews, understand sentiment, and respond promptly and meaningfully across online platforms.

Marketing and guest engagement go a step further, with tools for personalized upselling, automated WhatsApp campaigns, multilingual websites, and dynamic room upgrades — all driven by intelligent algorithms and data.

Speaking on the innovation, Aditya Sanghi, CEO of Hotelogix, said,

“Imagine a small hotel with a multilingual AI concierge offering 24/7 support and personalized recommendations in the guest's native language. It’s not just about convenience — it’s a smarter, more efficient way to deliver exceptional hospitality.”

According to industry projections, AI adoption in hospitality is set to grow 60% annually through 2033, and Hotelogix is positioning itself as a key enabler of that change — especially for mid-sized and independent hotels looking to compete with larger brands using agile, precise, and scalable technology.

With a presence in 100+ countries and the trust of over 12,000 hotels, Hotelogix is already known for helping hotels transition to the cloud. Now, it’s taking that expertise further.

“We’re working on integrating PMS data-driven agentic AI next,” Aditya added. “This will allow hotels to scale with intelligence, boost yield, and deliver hyper-personalized guest experiences.”

From distribution and revenue to guest services and marketing, Hotelogix’s AI-backed solutions mark a major shift in how hotels will operate in the coming decade — with intelligence at their core.


OYO Launches In-House Kitchens and QSR Carts to Enter F&B Sector

OYO Launches In-House Kitchens and QSR Carts to Enter F&B Sector

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 5, 2025

OYO, the global hospitality technology brand, has officially stepped into the food and beverage sector with the launch of in-house kitchens and quick service restaurant (QSR) carts across its company-serviced hotels in India. This move is part of a broader plan to enhance the guest experience, particularly at Townhouse by OYO-branded properties.

The initiative began with a pilot program in January 2025 across 100 hotels in cities like Delhi, Gurugram, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. Encouraged by its success, OYO now plans to expand the offering to 1500 company-serviced hotels across India in FY26.

Guests can now conveniently order meals through online platforms, including OTAs and the OYO app, by selecting the "Kitchen Services" option. The kitchens will range from full-scale commercial setups offering extensive menus to simpler pantries based on each hotel’s profile and infrastructure.

To meet varied dining needs, OYO is also introducing QSR carts and lobby stores under the brand name ‘Townhouse Cafe’. These will offer quick, ready-to-eat food options designed to cater to snacking, late-night cravings, and meals on the go—without the wait associated with traditional restaurants. The menu will include well-priced meals with both regional and continental options.

The decision to enter the F&B segment came in response to consistent guest feedback requesting more in-room dining options. The company expects this initiative to boost customer satisfaction and generate an additional 5-10% in hotel-level revenue once fully stabilized.

“This initiative aims to enhance the in-hotel dining experience for guests by offering fresh, convenient, and quality meal options across our network,” said Varun Jain, Chief Operating Officer at OYO. To support this rollout, OYO is also developing a network of trusted F&B experts in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Indore, Kolkata, Jaipur, and Lucknow.


Modwin Sets the Standard for Hospitality Wi-Fi and AV Integration in India

Modwin Sets the Standard for Hospitality Wi-Fi and AV Integration in India

By Author

Published on April 20, 2025

Technology is more than a convenience in today’s fast-paced hospitality industry. It’s a game changer. With guests expecting flawless Wi-Fi, captivating audio-visual experiences, and dynamic digital signage, staying ahead of the curve is no longer optional; it’s essential. 

Enter Modwin Networks, India’s top choice for cutting-edge hospitality technology solutions. Specialising in Managed Wi-Fi Services and AV integration, Modwin is transforming how hotels deliver exceptional, seamless, and immersive guest experiences. By focusing on reliable infrastructure and intuitive systems, Modwin makes technology an integral part of hospitality rather than just an add-on.

Connectivity is the New Comfort

From business travellers checking into city hotels to leisure guests at sprawling resorts, one expectation remains universal: fast, reliable, and seamless internet. Yet, many properties still rely on outdated, patchwork solutions that frustrate guests and strain operations.
Modwin solves this with its Managed Wi-Fi Services, custom-built for the hospitality sector. Designed to cover guest rooms, lobbies, meeting spaces, and back-of-house operations, Modwin’s Wi-Fi systems offer consistent coverage, intelligent bandwidth allocation, and secure access — all through a monthly subscription model that eliminates heavy capital expenditure. The service includes 24/7 NOC support, cyber law compliance, and end-to-end system maintenance.
The result? Happy guests, lower costs, and worry-free connectivity.

From Lobbies to Boardrooms- AV That Enhances Every Moment 

In today’s hospitality environments, audio-visual experiences define the guest journey. Whether it’s the welcoming ambience in the lobby, digital signage that directs guests to a banquet, or a high-stakes board meeting that demands flawless AV, technology plays a central role.

Modwin’s hospitality-centric AV integration includes:

•    Digital Signage and LED Walls for guest information, promotions, and ambience
•    Professional Audio Systems with customizable background music across multiple zones
•    Boardroom and Meeting Room Integration with wireless projection and HD conferencing
•    Touch-Panel Control Systems for easy media and lighting control by hotel staff
•    Projection Mapping and AV for Events, turning weddings, galas, and MICE conferences into memorable spectacles

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Modwin is Unique

There are many technology providers in the market, but none like Modwin. What truly sets them apart is their hospitality-first mindset.
While most vendors offer off-the-shelf systems, Modwin works hand-in-hand with hotel General Managers, Operations Heads, and IT teams to tailor solutions that fit the unique rhythm, challenges, and identity of each property.

•    Wi-Fi portals customised with hotel branding
•    Audio and visual scenes adjusted to match daily service flow
•    Systems designed for remote access, multi-property management, and easy training

India’s No.1 Partner in Hospitality Technology

Modwin doesn’t just provide technology — They understand hospitality, which is why they are the preferred choice for top hotel brands such as Marriott, Hyatt, Radisson, Lemon Tree, and Fortune.
Their single-vendor model for both Wi-Fi and AV ensures faster deployment, seamless service, and better accountability.

With over a decade of experience, a footprint across India and international markets, and partnerships with global tech leaders, Modwin is widely regarded as India’s most reliable and innovative hospitality tech partner.
They are not only setting benchmarks — They are redefining what’s possible.

In an evolving hospitality landscape, the best hotels invest in technology that works seamlessly. As Mr.Vinod Vattekat, Founder and Managing Director, says, "True hospitality is in the details. We make sure everything works seamlessly, so your guests only experience perfection."

For a consultation, visit www.modwin.com.Contact sales@modwin.com

Choose Modwin for technology that elevates every guest experience.

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