Move Over ChatGPT! Meet NamAIste – India’s Homegrown AI Tool for Hospitality

Artificial Intelligence has touched almost every industry, but one sector that’s been lagging in innovation is hospitality — especially when it comes to education and training. However, that may no longer be the case. The International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) has taken a bold leap into the future with the launch of NamAIste — a dedicated AI tool designed specifically for hospitality education and professional training. In a candid conversation with TICE, Dr. Suborno Bose, Chairman of IIHM, shared the vision, purpose, and innovation behind this pioneering AI platform.

What is NamAIste?

A GPT That Speaks the Language of Hospitality

NamAIste is not just another AI tool. Unlike generic platforms like ChatGPT, which scrape content from across the internet, NamAIste is a Large Language Model (LLM) trained exclusively on hospitality-specific data, curated by real educators and industry professionals from around the world.

“We’ve been feeding it authentic, hospitality-driven content for months — created by real people, from real experiences, not just from India but globally,” Dr. Bose emphasized. “That makes NamAIste not only accurate but trustworthy.”

It’s built for academic and industry use — for students, faculty, and professionals alike — making it a world-first GPT for hospitality that’s Made in India, for the world.

NamAIste: A Tech Gift From India to the World

“Viksit Bharat” Through AI Innovation

Dr. Bose calls NamAIste a contribution to the “Viksit Bharat” dream laid out by the Prime Minister. “This is not just a government responsibility,” he said. “Every citizen must contribute to a developed India. We’ve done that by bringing AI into a human-centric industry.”

In the hospitality sector, which thrives on the ‘human touch’, AI is often viewed with skepticism. But NamAIste changes that narrative by harmonizing emotion with intelligence — combining “touch and tech,” as Dr. Bose puts it. The goal? To enhance guest satisfaction, not replace it.

For Students: A 24x7 AI Mentor

Education Beyond the Classroom

NamAIste is designed to transform how hospitality students learn. It’s not just a repository of knowledge — it functions like a virtual tutor, available round the clock. Whether it's preparing for assessments, researching business models, or analyzing trends, students can get accurate, in-depth answers tailored to their curriculum.

For example, students can ask, “How many luxury hotels are planned in Delhi over the next 3 years?” and receive data-backed insights including room count, ROI, financing patterns, and investment forecasts — all customized for academic use.

But it doesn’t end there.

“This AI is not about spoon-feeding answers,” Dr. Bose warned. “It provides a base of reliable information, but critical thinking, further research, and original thought are still up to the student.”

For Faculty: A Much-Needed Reskilling Companion

Bringing Teaching Into the Future

NamAIste isn’t just for students — it’s a powerful tool for faculty members too. Many educators, Dr. Bose noted, still rely on knowledge they acquired decades ago. In a rapidly evolving field, that’s not sustainable.

“Teaching from memory or outdated notes can no longer prepare students for tomorrow,” he said. “NamAIste helps teachers stay updated with the latest trends, global practices, and future-focused content.”

With modules, mock tests, case studies, and real-time analytics, faculty can integrate NamAIste into their teaching methods — making learning interactive and future-ready.

Built With Authenticity: The Secret Sauce

No Internet Scraping – Just Real Hospitality Expertise

One of the standout features of NamAIste is its authenticity. Unlike ChatGPT, which pulls from a vast (and often questionable) internet pool, NamAIste’s knowledge comes from:

• Academic journals and e-books

• Real research articles

• Faculty from IIHM and 50+ global partner universities

• Insights from international hospitality practitioners

The result? When you ask NamAIste for something specific — say, “Top 10 wines from Nigeria” — the answer is vetted, reliable, and accurate. Try asking a generic AI and you’ll likely get a list that may or may not be credible.

Tech Meets Trust: A Case for Everyday Innovation

Dr. Bose shared a compelling example of how small innovations in hospitality can solve real-world problems. In Goa, guests often worry about the safety of their jewelry during destination weddings. His solution? Introduce face-recognition technology in hotel lockers.

“No more passcodes. Only your face can open your locker,” he said. “Innovation doesn’t have to be big — it has to be meaningful.”

From Alexa-enabled hotel rooms to AI-powered analytics, Dr. Bose believes hospitality tech is no longer a luxury, but a necessity.

NamAIste is also a tool to empower young minds. IIHM actively promotes startups and entrepreneurial thinking among students, and tools like NamAIste serve as the perfect launchpad.

“If students can use NamAIste to understand trends, analyze opportunities, and plan businesses — that’s a win for education and the economy,” Dr. Bose said.

What About AI Misuse in Academics?

A Tough Nut to Crack — But Addressed Smartly

Many academic institutions cap AI usage in student projects. Dr. Bose agrees it’s a valid concern but believes NamAIste is structured to prevent misuse.

“This is not a copy-paste tool. It helps with research, not regurgitation,” he said. “The students still have to analyze, conclude, and present their views. AI won’t do the thinking for them.”

With NamAIste, IIHM has not just launched a tool — it has introduced a vision. A vision that blends India’s traditional values (Namaste) with futuristic technology (AI), creating a platform that can genuinely transform hospitality education worldwide.

As the global hospitality industry rebounds from the pandemic, this Indian innovation might just be the upgrade it didn’t know it needed.