TLDR: The International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) has launched the world’s first AI Awards for the hospitality sector and hosted a significant roundtable discussion on ‘AI and Human Touch – Redefining the Hospitality Sector,’ emphasizing the harmonious blend of technology and human empathy in the industry’s future.
KOLKATA, India – The International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), a globally recognized leader in hospitality education, marked World AI Appreciation Day with two groundbreaking initiatives: the announcement of the world’s first AI Awards dedicated to the hospitality industry and a high-profile roundtable discussion titled ‘AI and Human Touch – Redefining the Hospitality Sector.’ These events firmly position IIHM at the forefront of the global AI-hospitality movement, underscoring its commitment to integrating technology with human empathy to shape the future of the sector.
Dr. Suborno Bose, Chairman of IIHM and CEO of the International Hospitality Council (UK), unveiled the inaugural ‘AI in Hospitality Awards.’ This global initiative aims to recognize and celebrate innovation at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and hospitality across 10 distinct categories. These categories include: AI Champion – General Manager (for visionary leadership in AI integration), Tech-Forward Hotelier (Emerging Leader), Hospitality Data Strategist, AI Educator / Trainer of the Year, Smart Hotel of the Year, Customer Experience Innovation, Sustainable Tech Implementation, HR & Training Tech Leader, Destination Marketing (Tourism Boards), and Smart Travel Experience Innovator.
Describing the awards as a ‘global benchmark for AI-driven excellence in hospitality,’ Dr. Bose stated, ‘They will inspire a new generation of hoteliers to embrace technology as a tool to enhance—not replace—human service. These awards are not just a recognition; they are a global call to action for the industry to embrace AI responsibly, with empathy at its core.’
The accompanying roundtable brought together professionals from both technology and hospitality sectors to deliberate on the evolving landscape. In his Vision Address delivered across IIHM campuses, Dr. Bose reiterated his core philosophy: ‘While technology is important, touch is more important. AI may be the new brain of hospitality, but the heart will always remain human.’ This mantra encapsulates IIHM’s vision of a future where AI serves to augment, rather than diminish, the human element in service.
Further solidifying its commitment to practical AI integration, IIHM also announced Phase II of the NamAIste Project. This phase will focus on developing scalable AI business models specifically designed for the hospitality sector, aiming to solve real-world operational challenges. Dr. Bose clarified the broader objective, stating, ‘This is not just about AI adoption. It’s about building a purpose-driven, people-first global hospitality ecosystem.’
Also Read:
- Indian Chamber of Commerce Unveils AI-Powered Platform to Streamline Compliance for Microbreweries
- Inntelo AI Secures Over £500K Pre-Seed Funding to Revolutionize Hotel Operations with AI Concierge
These pioneering initiatives follow IIHM’s recent achievement of a national honour for ‘Excellence in Global Hospitality Education’ from Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan at the ABP Smart Education Summit 2025, further cementing its reputation as a leader in hospitality education and innovation.
