Artificial intelligence (AI) dominated discussion at Hospitality Expo 2026, and with good reason. Across the sector, it is already delivering tangible gains in efficiency, insight, and guest service. From smarter recruitment to data-driven stock control, AI is helping operators do what they have always done best, only faster, cheaper, and better.
But amid the enthusiasm, one message stood out: AI may enhance hospitality, but it cannot replace its human heart. In Ireland especially, the welcome – the warmth, humour, and sense of connection – remains the industry’s defining strength.
AI Transforming Operations
Operationally, AI is proving transformative. At the panel Hospitality Reimagined: How AI is Shaping Guest Experience, several platforms showcased how embedded the technology has become.
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Talent Hunter automates early-stage recruitment, removing the administrative burden of screening CVs so managers can focus on finding the right candidates.
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Sadie, introduced by Ivano Caffola, is an AI-powered reservation assistant that integrates directly with a business’s website. “Sadie is like calling up a hotel and having your questions answered,” he said. For international callers or restaurants stretched during peak service, it ensures no enquiry and no booking is missed.
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Platforms such as Obair and Crius analyse sales and operational patterns to inform smarter decisions around stock, staffing, and promotions, reducing waste while protecting margins.
In a sector under cost and climate pressure, that advantage is significant.
The Human Touch Still Matters
Yet hospitality trades on authenticity, and this is where caution is needed. On social media, consumers are becoming increasingly alert to AI-generated content. Elaine Burke of the For Tech’s Sake podcast warned that even high-quality AI imagery can backfire if the real-life experience does not match the digital promise.
Maggie McMenamin of Studio Host added that strong storytelling starts with clarity of identity. Overusing AI risks smoothing away the quirks and character that define Irish hospitality.
Conclusion
As visitors left the RDS after two days of meeting, greeting, and learning, there was a sense of clarity: AI is an accelerator, not a substitute. It can answer calls at midnight and crunch data in seconds, but it cannot replicate the intuition of an experienced host or the warmth of a genuine Irish welcome.
Technology is the tool, but people remain the experience.