notitur.com August 24, 2026
Hotel TechnologyPublished August 22, 20261 min read

Bilbao 2036: more hotel tech, but keep the human touch

JSBy Joan SanzCurated by Joan Sanz. · August 22, 2026 · Follow on LinkedIn
Voice reading · ~1 min

The Smart Travel News Roadshow Bilbao put a tough question on the table at the Spirit Hotel Gran: what will Bilbao's hotel scene look like in ten years? The debate, as expected, revolved around technology. There will be automation, data and maybe the odd reception robot, but my read is clear: the human touch is not a brake, it's the differentiator.

Here's how I see it: AI can carry bags, handle check-in and predict that you like a firm pillow. What it can't do is tell you a good story about Bilbao with a smile. It's not about picking between machine or person. The best scenario puts technology to work in the invisible parts, so people can handle the visible ones. That's my take, and I think the roadshow is getting at exactly that.

The hotel that brings tech in without dehumanising the experience will have an edge in 2036. The one that uses it to cut staff will feel it in the reviews.

Quick questions

What is the Smart Travel News Roadshow Bilbao?
It's an event by Smart Travel News for travel professionals. The Bilbao edition was held at the Spirit Hotel Gran and asked how hospitality will look in 2036.
Will AI replace hotel staff?
Not in the scenario the debate painted. Technology is seen as a tool to free up time for the team, not a substitute for human service.
Which hotel hosted the Bilbao roadshow?
The Spirit Hotel Gran in Bilbao. The event took place in its auditorium and served as an example of a space ready for the debate.
What's the key to hospitality in 2036?
Having technology and the human touch work together. AI can predict preferences and speed things up, but the team's service makes the difference.
Why is Bilbao 2036 a topic?
Because the roadshow looked at what the city's hotels will be like in ten years. Bilbao is a growing tourism lab.

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