Since 1994, Catania-based IT company Gigabyte has been helping businesses modernise the way they work through tailored hardware, software and digital infrastructure solutions. The company’s approach is built around long-term partnerships rather than one-off services, combining certified technical support, cybersecurity and IT consultancy to help hospitality businesses simplify operations, improve efficiency and manage digital transformation without adding unnecessary complexity.
We spoke with Salvatore Arena about the technologies changing the Ho.Re.Ca. sector — and why digital innovation now has as much to do with customer experience as it does with back-office operations.
Hotels and restaurants are investing more heavily in digital systems than ever before. Where should businesses start if they want to become more organised and technology-driven?
“Hospitality businesses can’t really afford to treat digitalisation as optional anymore. It directly affects competitiveness, operational efficiency and the overall customer experience.
The starting point depends on the business itself, but some priorities tend to apply across the board. For restaurants, inventory management software can make a huge difference in reducing waste and improving stock control.
Hotels are increasingly adopting systems that track room availability in real time while automatically adjusting pricing based on demand.
Online booking systems have also become essential. Technically, a business can still operate without one — but in practical terms, competing without digital reservations and automated customer communication is becoming harder every year.
A mobile-friendly website is just as important now, considering how most bookings happen directly from smartphones.
The bigger picture, though, is that digitalisation only works when technology genuinely supports the business rather than complicating it. The goal isn’t adding more tools — it’s building smoother systems, improving communication and creating a better experience for both staff and customers.”
With bookings and payments now happening mostly online, data protection has become a major issue. What are the biggest priorities when it comes to cybersecurity?
“Any business handling online reservations is managing sensitive customer data every single day — personal details, payment information, booking histories — so security can’t be treated as an afterthought. One of the most common vulnerabilities is outdated software. Systems that aren’t regularly updated become easy entry points for cyberattacks. Secure connections and SSL or TLS certificates are fundamental because they encrypt the transfer of information between users and servers, protecting customer data from interception.
Access management matters too. Sensitive information should only be available to authorised staff through properly controlled permission systems. Then there’s staff awareness, which is often underestimated. Employees need to understand how phishing attempts and cyber threats actually work, otherwise even strong systems can be compromised through simple human error.
Cybersecurity isn’t something businesses set up once and forget about. It’s an ongoing process that requires constant monitoring and adaptation.”
Many businesses still worry that introducing digital systems will make daily operations more complicated rather than simpler. How do you address that concern?
“That fear is understandable because badly implemented technology absolutely can create confusion. The difference lies in choosing systems designed to simplify workflows rather than overload them. Automation is a perfect example. Repetitive tasks like data entry, reporting and communication management can all be streamlined through digital tools, reducing human error while freeing staff to focus on more valuable and strategic work.
When technology is introduced properly, businesses usually realise very quickly that operations become lighter, faster and far more manageable.”
Technology moves incredibly fast. How important are staff training and continuous support today?
“They’ve become essential. Even the most advanced technology loses value if the people using it don’t fully understand how it works. Continuous training allows teams to stay aligned with evolving systems, improve efficiency and reduce operational mistakes. Businesses that invest in staff development almost always see stronger long-term results because the technology ends up being used properly rather than partially. Ongoing support is equally important because digital systems evolve constantly. Companies need reliable assistance not just during installation, but throughout the entire lifecycle of the technology they adopt.”
Looking ahead, which innovations do you think will have the biggest impact on the Ho.Re.Ca. sector over the next few years? And what will Gigabyte be showcasing at RHS 2026?
“The sector is heading towards increasingly data-driven and personalised business models. Sustainability and transparency are already influencing hospitality heavily, particularly through digital systems that track ingredient sourcing and support more environmentally conscious operations and packaging solutions.
Marketing is evolving rapidly too. Thanks to big data, social media analysis and online review platforms, businesses can now personalise communication and promotional strategies far more precisely than before. Artificial intelligence will clearly play a major role moving forward as well.
At RHS 2026, we’ll be presenting a Business Intelligence Analytics System designed to help businesses collect, manage and analyse operational data in a much more strategic way. These tools allow companies to work with both historical and real-time information, giving them a clearer understanding of performance, customer behaviour and future business decisions.”
