In the Tech Acceleration Awards, Belmond was recognized in the Hotelier category for Bella, an AI email assistant for guest communication and booking inquiries using HTNG’s AI for Hospitality practices. In the Vendor category, Canary Technologies was recognized for using AI to automate guest communications across voice, chat and messaging.
“Hotels and their partners increasingly rely on innovation to enhance operations, improve guest experiences and advance profitability,” said Rosanna Maietta, AHLA president and CEO. “These award winners demonstrate how thoughtful technology implementation elevates every aspect of the hotel experience.”
Other General Manager of the Year winners included Wyatt Cardwell of Residence Inn Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C.; Trish Drews of DoubleTree by Hilton McLean Tysons, Virginia; David Giaco of Dolphin Sands Clearwater Beach, Florida; Erik Kreft of One Ocean Resort & Spa, Atlantic Beach, Florida; and Seth McDaniels of Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach, Florida.
Maietta said general managers are the heart of every hotel.
“The best focus equally on the guest and the team, providing excellent experiences, driving results, problem solving and building careers and community at the same time,” she said.
Earlier this year, AHLA and HTNG launched safety resources to help hoteliers prevent and respond to battery-related fires, often caused by guests using lithium-based devices such as e-bikes, laptops and mobile phones.
