ACING WITH AI

Hotelier India in conversation with Manav Thadani, Founder-Chairman, Hotelivate, on the highlights of HICSA '23 - Hotel Investment Conference - South Asia (HICSA), an annual event that brings together a diverse range of participants from the hospitality, real estate, and investment industries.

HICSA 2023 has a very interesting theme. What was the rationale behind having Al as your central idea this year?

Al - Artificial Intelligence, Astute Investments and Aesthetic Interiors are the three main pillars on which future development will depend. Whether we are looking at expansion, acquisition or mergers, Al - all three pillars - is all set to lead the way. We, at Hotelivate, do believe in keeping up with the changing times and listening to the feedback that we get at the end of every HICSA. A lot of positive feedback was received for the sessions talking about Artificial Intelligence and that is when we thought that this was something that needs the importance it deserves.

For most people, HICSA is synonymous with Mumbai and this year it's Bangalore! What happened?

Well, that is not entirely true. We did it in Delhi in 2015 and 2016 and then again in 2021 post-COVID. Yes, on all other occasions, the event was synonymous with Mumbai. Honestly, you tell me - if I ask you to pick a city which inspired you in terms of technology and innovation which one would it be? Bangalore is the perfect destination for our Al-themed conference this year. Besides, the city has so much more to offer - amazing weather, excellent golf courses, a new airport, bars and pubs, great hotels and restaurants. This year's HICSA is not just a conference, we aim for it to be an experience for our delegates.

Yes, that does bring me to my next question that I have been waiting to ask actually. What are these HICSA experiences that everyone seems to be talking about?