Renowned Maldivian computer scientist Professor Hassan Ugail will deliver a key presentation on artificial intelligence in the hospitality sector at the upcoming TTM Travel Summit 2019, organisers announced Monday.
In his talk at the summit to be held at Bandos Maldives on June 11, Professor Ugail will outline how the hospitality industry could be radically transformed through the use of AI-driven social and psychological analytics. He will highlight how such shifts in thinking may not only provide proper pathways to cater to the generation Y and Z, but also provide highly individualised services which are increasingly demanded across the spectrum of holidaymakers.
The only Maldivian to have received a professorship, Professor Ugail currently heads the Centre for Visual Computing at the University of Bradford in UK. He is a renowned computer scientist in the area of visual computing and artificial intelligence, and is an advocate of using AI in helping tackle real-world issues in the areas of finance, digital health, innovative engineering and sustainable societies.
Professor Ugail specialises in human biometrics, especially the development of cutting edge AI solutions for biometric face recognition. His most recent work in this area includes helping Scotland Yard unravel the real identity of the two Russian spies at the heart of the Salisbury Novichok poisoning case – one of the biggest international stories of the year 2018.
Part of the Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) platform, the third edition of the TTM Travel Summit will focus on travel technology and analytics — a topic that will help the travel industry get acquainted with the potential of analytics, dynamic pricing and AI in delivering exceptional customer service and maximising profit.
TTM is the largest platform connecting the travel trade community of the Maldives to the global network of travel professionals.
The third edition of the first and largest international trade show in the Maldives will take place from June 11–23, with multiple events taking place at different venues, including capital Male and resorts.
Over 100 resorts and hotels from the Maldives have confirmed their participation in TTM 2019. More than 250 international buyers and media professionals will attend the show. Premium Exhibitors include Adaaran Resorts, Kaimoo Hotels, Crown & Champa Resorts, Bandos Maldives, and Villa Hotels & Resorts.
Meanwhile, the second Maldives Supplier Expo will take place from June 12-13 in capital Male. More than 50 suppliers will have one-on-one prescheduled meetings with over officials from procurement, accounts, finance, and F&B departments of over 100 resorts from the Maldives.
TTM 2019 will host its third annual gala night on June 13 at Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi resort.
TTM, which was launched in 2017 by local PR firm Maldives Getaways (now known as Orca Media Group), aims to facilitate the tourism industry of Maldives to reach the ultimate target of two million tourists per year with over USD 3.5 billion in receipts by the end of 2020.