Latest news with #HTV
Skift
27-05-2025
- Business
- Skift
The Backstage AI Revolution in Hotels: Kurien Jacob Breaks It Down
Kurien Jacob, Partner and Managing Director at Highgate Technology Ventures, will take the stage at the Skift Data + AI Summit to reveal how AI isn't just enhancing the guest experience, it's rewiring the very infrastructure of hotels. A veteran of the travel, tech, and software sectors with over four decades of experience, Kurien Jacob now leads Highgate Technology Ventures (HTV) as a partner and MD. He's invested in forward-thinking hospitality startups like SevenRooms, LodgIQ, and Laasie. At the Skift Data + AI Summit, Kurien will share why the real AI revolution in travel isn't just guest-facing, it's operational, structural, and accelerating fast. With his session just around the corner, Kurien Jacob shared a few candid thoughts on where the travel industry is missing the mark with AI and what trends he's betting on next. What do you think the travel industry still gets wrong when it comes to applying AI? 'The travel industry still treats AI mostly as a sales and support tool – pushing deals or running chatbots – this is going to be transformative across the industry. This is the only technology that may not require you to be a treasure of experience. I think this is going to kill experience in favor of knowledge, thought processes, intelligence, and a clear open mind for adaptation. This transformation is going to be so fast that your head will spin and non-believers will be left in the dust.' What emerging trends in AI or data are you watching most closely right now? Generative AI 'This is obviously an outcome from the core engine. How does this integrate with the core engine of AI in computing, math, image recognition etc.' AI Agents 'The biggest impact is going to be for travel, accommodations, restaurants as there is a lot of answering questions and doubts. Once you win the trust with Q&A then you focus on task completion such as booking a flight, hotel, restaurant, and activity.' B2B Applications 'Using AI to tailor experiences for B2B customers is key. How do we pass on AI-completed products for customers? In fact, the biggest business shift will probably be SaaS to AI solutions for productivity and software all in one. Companies who get this will be faster to win.' If you had to place a big bet on one AI breakthrough that could reshape travel, what would it be? 'Ok for the customer – Autonomous AI Agents or software connected to personal AI assistants around the world asking questions, wanting to book travel. Ask anything and request execution. That's where commerce may come in. Entire back office of travel or hospitality would be replaced. No longer talking to humans but machines. 95% will be answered by machines and 5% could be touched by humans. Travel and hospitality would be boring as most functions would be done through AI and the differentiation would be with creativity, intelligence, and humor. Think about the internet and multiply it by 10 for this tech. You want to write descriptions for an AI to discover. And here there are no static web pages. It's interactive. We have moved to a conversational age!!' Don't Miss Kurien Jacob at the Skift Data + AI Summit Kurien Jacob is one of the sharpest minds shaping the future of operational AI in hospitality. His session will be a deep dive into the forces already rewriting the industry's playbook. Register now to join the conversation that's redefining travel tech from the ground up. Get Your Tickets 1 Person Solo Ticket $895 Buy Now 2-6 PeOPLE Group Tickets From $815 each Buy Now Who Is Already Joining The Skift Data + AI Summit This June Skift Data + AI Summit in New York City is fast approaching - take a look at who is planning to attend and add your company's name to the list. You won't want to miss this exciting global travel industry event. Read More
New Straits Times
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Fauzi Nawawi: Many new artistes have 'bad manners' these days
KUALA LUMPUR: Fauzi Nawawi is clearly frustrated, stating that some newer actors are "getting on his nerves." His irritation stems from a recent incident where he had to wait nearly three hours on location due to a new actor's late arrival. "That person is really disrespectful, and this shows that there are many new artistes out there who have bad work ethics and bad manners," Fauzi expressed on the HTV talk show Discipline and Talent on TV2 yesterday, where he was interviewed alongside actor Datuk Fizz Fairuz. Fauzi contrasted this with his earlier experiences in the industry, saying, "In those days, artistes were a lot more punctual and disciplined at work. They did not keep others waiting. And if I turn up late, I will apologise to my colleagues. That is etiquette." While acknowledging the presence of many talented and disciplined newcomers, Fauzi pointed out that some seem "more comfortable making social media appearances as their main source of income."
Axios
13-02-2025
- Business
- Axios
Houston Television partners with autism nonprofit
A budding partnership between the city-run Houston Television broadcasting service and Houston-based nonprofit Spectrum Fusion will connect adults with autism to the world of media production. Why it matters: The collaboration helps those on the spectrum develop media production skills that could lead to job opportunities. The big picture: HTV broadcasts city meetings and original programming produced by a team of media professionals employed by the city. As part of the partnership, the nonprofit's Spectrum Fusion Studios will train individuals in film production and editing. After the training, participants will have a chance at an internship with HTV, working on "City Pulse," a show highlighting city departments and services. What they're saying:"We are thrilled that our work is being recognized and that the City of Houston has embraced our mission by working with autistic adults who are proving themselves to be invaluable on creative projects," Spectrum Fusion CEO Heidi Ham said. "This synergistic collaboration is a winning formula for all of us." What's next: After the internship, Spectrum Fusion will work with the Houston Mayor's Office of People with Disabilities to help participants network and find a job. Between the lines: Neurodivergent individuals possess "unique talents and viewpoints" in creative fields, Ham said, which is apparent in the partnership. Ted Irving, HTV's director of operations, said the partnership is a "highly productive collaboration." "Spectrum Fusion team members have benefited from advanced professional training provided by HTV staff, while HTV has gained a valuable production partner," Irving said. Worthy of your time: You can check out the latest episodes of Spectrum Fusion Studios-produced "City Pulse" on the HTV website.
