Read the perspective of Marco Correia, CIO at Mercan Properties, on how Hotel-Brand Tech Leaders are redefining the CIO role

Source: hospitalitynet

Technology no longer sits quietly in the background of hospitality — it is the business. And at the intersection of this transformation stands the modern CIO: no longer a systems custodian, but an architect of change, a translator of complexity, and increasingly, a strategist at the very core of decision-making. This shift was tangible at the first-ever HFTP CIO Summit EMEA in Barcelona. What began as a gathering to discuss AI, data, and infrastructure quickly evolved into something more profound: a shared realization that the traditional CIO archetype is dissolving. The role is being reimagined in real-time, fluid, cross-functional, and increasingly guest-facing.

We posed a deceptively simple question to attendees: "How is your role changing as technology evolves?" The answers were not only illuminating but revolutionary. It's no longer about tools—it's about timing. It's no longer about systems—it's about strategy. And it's no longer about tech support—it's about business leadership. This is Mercan Properties CIO, Marco Correia's, perspective on how his role has evolved over the past decades.

"Imagine filming a room and instantly knowing what’s missing. That’s the kind of AI that changes operations."

The CIO has become a strategic partner. Two decades ago, IT often reported to finance; today, we help shape the business itself. Our role now spans every department: HR, finance, operations, and even frontline services like housekeeping and F&B.

In Europe, however, regulatory frameworks — particularly around AI and guest profiling — introduce constraints that must be navigated carefully. Innovation cannot come at the expense of compliance. That’s why our responsibility isn’t just deploying technology; it’s enabling responsible adoption across the organization.

My focus is on applied AI — specifically, analytical tools that solve real problems. One powerful example is visual-driven room inspections. A housekeeping supervisor can film a room, and AI instantly highlights what’s missing: towels, pillows, and amenities. It’s fast, consistent, and reduces the chance of human oversight. This is not a concept — it’s happening.

We need to move beyond the novelty of generative AI and focus on what creates measurable operational value. Analytical AI offers that. It’s not about replacing people, but about giving them tools that make quality scalable.