Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the bold decision by Zheng Nanyan, Chairman and President of DeLong Group, to eliminate hotel front desks and fully integrate AI into hotel operations, positioning AI as a core competitive weapon for the future of the hotel industry [1][3]. Group 1: AI Integration in Hotel Operations - DeLong Group plans to replace all hotel front desks with AI, aiming to revolutionize hotel services and enhance operational efficiency [1][4]. - The AI system, named "Genie," will improve service efficiency and accuracy by allowing guests to make requests through voice or mobile, reducing response times and enhancing service quality [5][6]. - The integration of AI is expected to save 15%-25% in labor costs in areas such as finance and room service [5]. Group 2: Historical Context and Evolution - Zheng Nanyan has a history of leveraging technology in the hotel industry, having developed an integrated hotel management system in 1993 and founded 7 Days Inn in 2005, which pioneered a customer membership system [2][3]. - The establishment of Plateno Group in 2013 allowed for resource integration and the continuation of internet-driven operational models, enhancing brand expansion [3]. Group 3: Industry Trends and AI Adoption - Approximately 83% of international hotels plan to deploy or upgrade AI customer service systems, with significant improvements in operational efficiency reported [8][9]. - AI-driven solutions for revenue management and dynamic pricing are prioritized by 76% of hotels, indicating a shift towards data-driven decision-making [9][10]. - The cost of AI systems is decreasing significantly, making advanced AI capabilities more accessible to hotels, thus shifting competitive advantages towards data assets rather than traditional factors like location [10][11]. Group 4: Challenges and Considerations - The transition to AI-driven operations raises questions about the role of human staff, particularly in customer-facing positions like front desks, which are crucial for brand image and customer connection [11][12]. - The concept of "de-fronting" is becoming a trend, but operational challenges such as identity verification and customer service for diverse demographics remain significant hurdles [11][13].