In this episode, Alessandro Inversini speaks with Luca Pronzati, Chief Digital and Technology Officer at MSC Cruises, about how technology is enhancing—not replacing—the human touch in cruises. From smart ships to AI-driven experiences, they explore how digital innovation can elevate service while preserving the emotional core of guest interactions, allowing crew members and customers to focus more on meaningful, personalized interactions.

In this episode, Maggie Chen welcomes Davy Jansegers, Head of Business Development at Lausanne Tourism. With a career that began at the hotel reception desk and led to national and international recognition in hospitality, Davy brings a rare blend of operational insight and strategic foresight From the rise of AI and virtual influencers to the irreplaceable value of human touch, Davy shares how Lausanne is preparing SMEs for a tech-forward yet people-centered future. His reflections on digital transformation, emotional connection, and the evolving role of tourism offices offer a compelling roadmap for the industry.

In this episode , we sit down with Carlo Fontana, General Manager of Hotel Lugano Dante, for a rich conversation on the evolving role of technology in hospitality. With over three decades of experience, Carlo shares how he’s witnessed and leveraged the digital transformation of the industry, from the first PMS installations to AI-assisted guest communication.

Join us for a thoughtful conversation with Damaris Papoutsakis, Head of Guest Management and Protocol at UEFA, as she reflects on the evolving role of technology in service delivery. In this episode, Damaris shares how technology should be a backstage enabler—streamlining operations and freeing up time—so that people can focus on what truly matters: human connection.

Join Prof. Maggie Chen as she speaks with Professor Reza Etemad-Sajadi from EHL Hospitality Business School about the future of customer interaction in a high tech-driven world. They explore the critical role of empathy, emotional engagement, and experience co-creation in shaping memorable customer experiences. Discover how businesses can strike the perfect balance between high-tech solutions and the human touch, and why creating emotional connections with guests remains central in today's world.

Join us for an insightful conversation with John Leglise, CEO of Sandoz Foundation Hotels, as he explores the delicate balance between technology and human interaction in the hospitality industry. In this episode, John shares his vision on how "the interaction gives the soul, the technology gives the efficiency," emphasizing the importance of future leaders being both technically fluent and emotionally intelligent. Discover how Sandoz Foundation Hotels integrates high tech to enhance high touch, creating memorable guest experiences while always empowering employees.

We are thrilled to welcome Claudia Beaufort, Chief Commercial Officer of Zermatt Hospitality Group, which oversees nine accommodations and 20 dining establishments, including the prestigious five-star Grand Hotel Zermatterhof. With a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry, Claudia shares her insights on how digital technology is reshaping operations and enhancing guest experiences. She emphasizes the importance of balancing high tech and high touch for a true service quality.

In this episode, we're excited to host Toan Ly, Executive Assistant Manager Commercial at Six Senses Crans-Montana. With over a decade of international experience in luxury hospitality, Toan explains how technologies like AI-driven personalization, biometric security, and immersive virtual reality are transforming guest experiences. However, he emphasizes that the core of luxury hospitality lies in genuine human interaction, which cannot be replaced by technology. To prepare for future transformations, Toan stresses the importance of investing in culture, leadership, and scalable tech infrastructure. He also highlights the need for future hoteliers to be well-versed in both operational skills and technology, ensuring they strike the right balance between tech and personalized service, depending on their business positioning.

Today, Maggie Chen interviews Christoph Maximilian Schlatter, Delegate of the Board of the Laudinella Hotel Group, which manages four renowned hotels in St. Moritz. In this insightful conversation, Christoph shares his perspective on the future of hospitality, emphasizing the evolving role of technology and human touch. He discusses how digital solutions and automation are transforming operations while highlighting the enduring importance of personalized, human-centered service. Christoph also explores the challenges of attracting talent in the industry and how embracing both high-tech and high-touch approaches can create a more fulfilling hospitality environment.

Today, Francis Reichenbach, General Manager at Le Mirabeau in Zermatt, a 4-star family-owned resort & spa hotel, shares his extensive experience and hands-on approach in integrating tech tools into the hospitality industry. As a true hotelier, Francis discusses how concrete tech solutions play a crucial role in enhancing the guest experience, yet emphasizes that it should always complement the human touch at the heart of hospitality. He explores the delicate balance between embracing technological advancements and maintaining personalized service, offering valuable insights into how the industry can evolve while staying committed to its human-centered values.

In this interview, Professor Hannes Werthner, a pioneer in e-tourism and the founder of the Digital Humanism initiative, reflects on the evolution of technology in the tourism industry. He and Prof. Maggie Chen discuss the role of high-tech innovations, such as artificial intelligence and connected devices, and their impact on travel. Professor Werthner emphasizes the need to balance technological advancements with human values, addressing the societal implications of digital transformations.

In this episode, Maggie Chen sits down with Christophe Laurent, EHL Group Values Ambassador, to explore the dynamic changes within the hospitality industry. Together, they discuss how the future of hospitality is shifting from basic service provision to creating meaningful, human-centered experiences. Christophe shares his insights on how empathy, technology, and strong workplace culture are key drivers in this transformation, shaping new strategies that elevate the guest experience and pave the way for a more innovative industry.

Gregory Guzzo, Associate Director at Antidots, shares insights on how the mobility and tourism industries are evolving. He discusses the balance between technology and personal touch, emphasizing the role of empathy and human engagement in enhancing customer experiences. He also explores the future of Mobility as a Service (MaS) and how it can improve journeys without losing the personal connection.

Join today Michael Thomann, a renowned Swiss hospitality expert, as he explores with Prof. Maggie Chen the balance between high tech and high touch in the future of the industry. From personal guest experiences to tech-driven solutions, Michael shares insights on how to navigate the evolving hospitality landscape while keeping the human connection at its core.