UN Tourism and WTTC Showcase AI’s Potential to Revolutionize Global Tourism at Ministers Summit

(IN SHORT) At the World Travel Market Ministers Summit, UN Tourism and WTTC led discussions on AI’s impact on the tourism sector, introducing the “AI for Good in Tourism” roadmap. Key topics included AI-driven research, workforce upskilling, investment strategies, and a new AI Challenge for tourism innovators. UN Tourism aims to harness AI’s potential for an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient tourism industry.

(PRESS RELEASE) Madrid, Spain, 2024-Nov-8 — /Travel PR News/ — The World Travel Market Ministers Summit, held in collaboration with UN Tourism and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), brought together ministers and industry leaders to discuss Artificial Intelligence’s transformative role in tourism. Ministers from over 20 countries and leaders from Expedia, HBX Group, JTB Corp, and SITA emphasized the potential for AI-driven public-private partnerships to benefit the sector.

UN Tourism Executive Director Natalia Bayona highlighted AI’s potential to enable better decision-making, hyper-personalized travel experiences, and the advancement of digital infrastructure and education. The newly launched Strategic Roadmap: AI for Good in Tourism outlines UN Tourism’s approach to harnessing AI for growth, resilience, and inclusivity.

Key areas covered included:

• Research: UN Tourism’s latest analysis with Saxion University explores AI’s adoption in tourism, with further studies planned for 2025 to assess challenges and best practices.
• Education and Upskilling: Recognizing AI’s impact on the workforce, UN Tourism is expanding its Tourism Online Academy with AI-focused courses, enabling professionals to adapt to industry changes.
• Investment and Innovation: Emphasizing alternative funding models, UN Tourism encourages AI-based insights for investment strategies, especially for startups. The agency is empowering businesses across the tourism value chain to adopt AI through workshops and programs.
• Global Standards: A new Global Task Force on Universal Nomenclature for AI in Tourism aims to standardize terminology, promoting clarity across the sector.

UN Tourism also announced its AI Challenge, inviting innovators to present AI solutions for tourism’s future in areas like branding, smart destinations, and efficient operations. Regional awards and capacity-building efforts, in partnership with organizations such as CAF, are also planned.

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UNWTO Communications Department
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Source: UNWTO

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