In a recent one-on-one interview recorded during the HITEC 2024 event in Charlotte, Hospitality Net's Simone Puorto sat down with Sabrina Jackson, Senior Director of Product Management at Duetto. This interview is part of our HITEC 2024 series, where we have engaged with a diverse array of speakers, exhibitors, and visitors to provide in-depth insights into the industry's latest trends and innovations. Jackson shared her perspectives on Duetto’s innovations, the impact of artificial intelligence on revenue management, and the evolving landscape of group business travel.

Introduction and Role of Duetto

Sabrina Jackson begins by introducing herself as the Senior Director of Product Management at Duetto. She explains that Duetto is a leading revenue management system that integrates pricing, forecasting, reporting, and group business products to automate and optimize revenue management processes. Jackson oversees core applications and works closely with customers and software engineers to develop market solutions.

The Impact of AI on Revenue Management

Simone Puorto and Jackson discuss the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the hospitality industry. Jackson highlights the democratization of AI, noting how technologies like ChatGPT have made AI accessible to a broader range of users, not just data scientists. She explains that AI is being used to automate workflows, allowing teams to achieve more with fewer resources, which is especially critical given the ongoing labor shortages in the industry.

Adoption and Benefits of AI

Jackson emphasizes the importance of embracing AI and technology to remain competitive. She mentions that AI will not replace individuals but will enhance team efficiency and innovation. Early adopters of AI will likely see significant benefits, including streamlined operations and improved data analysis capabilities.

Challenges and Trends in Group Business Travel

Jackson identifies the resurgence of group business travel as a significant trend, with notable changes in its nature post-COVID. She observes that group travel now often includes smaller groups, blended leisure and business trips, and hybrid events. Hotels that adapt to these new patterns by offering appropriate amenities and integrated technology will be more successful.

Duetto's New Product Launch

Jackson introduces Duetto’s latest product, Open Space, which focuses on dynamic pricing for meeting spaces, room rentals, and food and beverage services. This new addition aims to simplify the booking process, reduce friction for guests, and enhance collaboration between sales and revenue management teams. The goal is to provide a seamless experience and more accurate pricing that reflects real-time demand and availability.

Total Revenue Optimization

The conversation shifts to the concept of total revenue optimization, moving beyond a room-centric approach to consider all revenue streams within a property. Jackson stresses that hotels must look at the bigger picture and integrate various revenue sources, such as ski lift tickets or golf services, into their pricing strategies. This holistic approach can significantly enhance a property's overall profitability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sabrina Jackson's insights highlight the critical role of AI and integrated technology in transforming revenue management and optimizing operations in the hospitality industry. By embracing these advancements, hotels can better navigate the evolving landscape of group business travel and achieve sustained growth. This interview is part of Hospitality Net's HITEC 2024 series, providing a platform for industry leaders to share their insights and experiences.

 

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