Prospects and challenges for Singapore’s hotel industry: the impact of AI and robots

Singapore's hotel sector grew 4% in the first half of 2026, according to Far East Hospitality managing director Mark Rohner, who said agentic AI combined with robotic process automation will soon go live to handle reservation emails end to end. Rohner discussed the chronic challenge of attracting local talent and the impact of AI and robotics on the industry in a PropertyBT podcast episode.

Prospects and challenges for Singapore’s hotel industry: the impact of AI and robots What are the challenges in building a local hotel management group? How can more locals be attracted to pursue hospitality careers? Far East Hospitality’s Mark Rohner is in conversation with senior co... Singapore’s hotel sector grew 4 per cent in the first half of 2026, a commendable result given geopolitical headwinds, rising fuel costs and higher airfares squeezing key source markets like India. The appetite for travel remains strong but the hospitality industry is navigating a more complex operating environment than the post-pandemic boom years suggested. So where does it go from here? In this episode of PropertyBT , a BT Correspondents podcast, Leslie Yee speaks with Mark Rohner, managing director of Far East Hospitality, for a candid conversation about Singapore’s tourism outlook, the chronic challenge of attracting local talent and what AI and robotics are actually changing on the ground right now. Why listen How Singapore’s hotel market is holding up and what the second half looks like The Grand Prix, concerts and Disney Adventure cruises all feature in Rohner’s cautiously optimistic outlook, alongside a frank acknowledgement of the headwinds still in play. Why AI is already working in the background at Far East Hospitality Agentic AI combined with robotic process automation is about to go live to handle thousands of reservation emails end to end, from reading and categorising inquiries to making the actual booking. Rohner explains what that frees his team up to do instead. Why retention, not recruitment, is where Far East Hospitality wins Long-serving staff, genuine relationships and strong customer service scores are the differentiators. Rohner is specific about why that matters commercially. Where the next wave of travel demand is heading Secondary cities in Japan, experiential travel and the growing influence of what surrounds a hotel rather than the hotel itself are all reshaping where operators need to be. The lust for travel is real and the business of hospitality is getting more interesting. Listen now. Discover more episodes at bt.sg/podcasts https://bt.sg/podcasts . Got feedback? Email us at btpodcasts@sph.com.sg mailto:btpodcasts@sph.com.sg . --- Written and hosted by: Leslie Yee lyee@sph.com.sg With Mark Rohner, managing director, Far East Hospitality Edited by: Nicole Teo & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: Leslie Yee, Nicole Teo & Chai Pei Chieh A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times , SPH Media --- Follow BT Correspondents: Channel: bt.sg/btcobt https://bt.sg/btcobt Amazon: bt.sg/btcoam https://bt.sg/btcoam Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/btcoap https://bt.sg/btcoap Spotify: bt.sg/btcosp https://bt.sg/btcosp YouTube Music: bt.sg/btcoyt https://bt.sg/btcoyt Website: bt.sg/btcorresp https://bt.sg/btcorresp Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice. --- Discover more BT podcast series: BT Money Hacks: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks https://bt.sg/btmoneyhacks BT Podcasts: bt.sg/pcOM https://bt.sg/pcOM BT Market Focus: bt.sg/btmktfocus https://bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlenson https://bt.sg/btlenson Decoding Asia newsletter: your guide to navigating Asia in a new global order. Sign up here to get Decoding Asia newsletter. Delivered to your inbox. Free. Copyright SPH Media. All rights reserved. ABOUT THE PODCAST BT Correspondents brings together some of The Business Times’ most trusted columnists in a single series. Featuring Mark to Market, WealthBT, TransportBT, and PropertyBT, weekly episodes deliver expert analysis and clear perspectives on stocks, wealth, mobility, and real estate. It is essential listening for professionals who want context, clarity, and depth.