AI adoption grows in hospitality but data security concerns remain high

AI adoption is accelerating across the hospitality sector, with more than 28% of operators in the UK and Ireland already deploying the technology across multiple departments.

A further 20% of businesses are exploring its potential, according to research from Access Hospitality, which surveyed 1,000 businesses and 8,000 consumers globally.

Despite this growth, concerns around data privacy and security remain significant, with 51% of operators in the UK and Ireland worried about how their data is processed and protected when using AI tools.

The study also found that 45% of operators are uneasy about sharing sensitive company data with AI systems, highlighting a widening trust gap as adoption increases.

Smaller operators appear more cautious, with more than half of businesses with fewer than 25 venues expressing concern about data sharing, compared with 33% of larger organisations.

Consumer sentiment reflects similar concerns, with 28% of UK consumers worried that AI could misuse their personal information and around one in five concerned about feeling constantly monitored.

Champa Magesh, managing director at Access Hospitality, said: “The message for operators is clear. With 41% of UK consumers sceptical about the increased use of AI in hospitality and 28% worried about their privacy, businesses must prioritise transparency and security to build trust.”

Connor Whelan, chief information officer at The Access Group, said: “Most data breaches aren’t the result of sophisticated attacks – they come from everyday gaps that any organisation can fall prey to.