Hyderabad: Dr Suborno Bose launches book on AI’s role in hospitality industry

Hyderabad: Dr Suborno Bose, chairman of the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), launched his third book, ‘Harmonizing Human Touch & AI in Tourism and Hospitality’, at an event held at Radisson Hotel, Madhapur. The book focuses on the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the hospitality industry while maintaining human-centric values.

AI in Hospitality: A Balancing Act

Dr Bose explained that the book follows an ‘A-to-Z’ approach, associating each letter with a key process in hospitality that can be enhanced by AI. It presents real-world examples of AI applications in guest satisfaction, sustainability and operational efficiency, including predictive maintenance, sentiment analysis and zero-waste initiatives.

“AI is not just about technology—it’s about humanity,” Dr Bose said at the launch. “This book underscores the importance of balancing technological advancements with the human touch in hospitality.”

He further stated, “We need to integrate AI into hospitality education on a global scale. It prioritises inclusivity, human-centric values and sustainability, ensuring that technology enhances rather than replaces the core of hospitality. AI is not artificial—it is ‘Advanced Intelligence’.”

NamAIste: The World’s First Hospitality GPT

Dr Bose announced that IIHM will soon launch NamAIste IIHM HospitalityGPT, the world’s first generative AI-powered knowledge engine dedicated to the hospitality industry. Currently in alpha testing, it will be formally launched on April 24, International Hospitality Day, by Union Tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

“A dedicated hospitality industry GPT is the need of the hour,” Dr Bose said, explaining that general AI models like ChatGPT lack industry-specific knowledge. “If you ask ChatGPT about Nigerian wines, it knows nothing and gives a wrong answer.”

He also highlighted India’s potential in AI innovation, stating, “One day, India will produce Google.”

Roundtable on AI in hospitality

A roundtable conference on AI in hospitality and tourism was held during the event.

Rupa Sree Bhuptapty, board member, Google India, AI and Robotics Expert, addressed concerns about AI-related job losses. “It is quite normal to be afraid of any new technology. When computers were introduced, similar concerns were raised. AI cannot work independently; it needs human operators. It is better to adopt sooner rather than later,” she said.

Dr Bose emphasised AI’s role in business growth. “AI is about productivity, profitability, revenue and sustainability for the hospitality industry. Without this, we can’t progress. It is our responsibility to bring it and share it with the industry.”

NSN Mohan, deputy vice president, Skal International, added that AI would create more jobs rather than replace them. Chef Dharmender Lamba highlighted AI’s potential in reducing food waste in hospitality.

Dr Bose concluded by stating, “IIHM has always been at the forefront of innovation in hospitality education. With the launch of NamAIste, we are taking a historic step forward in AI-powered hospitality intelligence.”