Turning Technology into a Competitive Advantage for Hotels - Mark Fancourt

In this episode, Mark Fancourt, founder and principal of TRAVHOTECH, shares insights into the evolving landscape of hospitality technology, drawing from his extensive experience leading technology for both hospitality companies and solution providers. 

Chapters:

• Takeaways from ILHA & How Mark Learns About Tech and Innovation (01:40)
• Why Work in Hospitality? (05:47)
• Why Luxury Hospitality Is Critical to Watch (08:06)
• What’s Exciting in Hotel Technology Today? (10:59)
• Hotel-Specific vs. Big Tech Solutions (16:16)
• CRM vs. PMS: Key Differences and Opportunities (18:37)
• Build vs. Buy: The Technology Decision for Hotels (23:45)
• The One Technology Hotels Can’t Buy Today (24:40)
• Lessons from Past Tech Cycles for the AI Boom (25:58)
• The Potential of AI-Powered Voice Technology (27:56)
• How Technology Bridges Language Barriers in Travel (30:36)
• The Mindset Shift Required to Benefit from Technology (33:49)
• How to Sell Technology Internally and Secure Approvals (36:09)
• Technology as a Competitive Advantage in Hospitality (38:42)
• Flywheels and Exponential Outcomes in Hotel Technology (42:01)
• Do You Need New Technology or Better Education? (42:37)
• Building Long-Term Relationships with Technology Providers (45:41)
• Case Study: Technology Excellence at Peninsula Hotels (48:50)
• What the Hospitality Industry Can Learn from Other Industries (52:49)

Read Mark's article: Where does hotel PMS software sit in the new hospitality technology stack?

If you liked this, you may also enjoy: Creative but Practical Uses for AI Today in Hotel Sales, Marketing, and Revenue Management (Takeaways From HSMAI's Latest Event) - Lou Zameryka

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Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands