Are Hotel Managers Becoming Obsolete in the Age of AI?
The hospitality industry is increasingly adopting algorithmic management (AM), where intelligent systems take over tasks traditionally handled by human managers. For frontline hotel managers, this shift introduces new challenges as technology begins to influence daily operations and human interactions.
Recent research involving hotel managers and hospitality experts reveals that the roles of managers are starting to change fundamentally. As AI-driven systems control scheduling, task assignments, and resource allocation, managers must reconsider how they add value beyond what algorithms can do.
How Algorithmic Management Works in Hotels
In hotels, AM systems help organize housekeeping schedules based on factors like room occupancy, cleaning needs, and staff availability. These systems optimize efficiency by analyzing workload demands and directing staff to where they’re needed most, cutting costs and improving operations.
The Human Side of Management in an Automated World
Algorithmic management shifts decision-making from humans to machines, but this brings risks. Employees may feel alienated or dehumanized when their work is controlled by algorithms, which can hurt morale and workplace culture.
Managers who want to stay relevant need to transform their approach. Instead of focusing on control, they should become coaches who empower staff and foster a positive environment. This means putting people before processes, even as technology handles routine tasks.
Key Strategies for Managers in the Era of AI
- Transparent Communication: Explain how algorithmic decisions are made. Transparency builds trust and reduces feelings of alienation among staff.
- Develop Emotional Intelligence: Use coaching skills to understand and respond to employee concerns, helping to soften the coldness that algorithmic oversight might create.
- Balance Creativity with Efficiency: Encourage innovation within the framework of standardized processes to keep the hotel competitive and responsive.
This approach keeps human connections strong and ensures that technology supports rather than replaces effective management.
Preparing for the Future
Managers in hospitality must embrace new roles that combine technology with empathy and leadership. This shift is about more than adopting new tools—it’s about preserving the essence of hospitality, where people matter most.
For managers looking to update their skills and stay ahead of AI-driven changes, exploring training in AI and management strategies can be valuable. Resources like Complete AI Training’s courses for managers offer practical ways to adapt and thrive.
As AI continues to influence the hospitality sector, the future of hotel management lies in blending technological efficiency with human insight and care.
Reference: Brana Jianu et al, Integrating algorithmic management in hotels: Emerging challenges and opportunities for frontline managers, International Journal of Hospitality Management (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhm.2025.104168
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