UN Tourism launches a global Artificial Intelligence agenda to shape the future of tourism

UN Tourism held its largest General Assembly in history in Riyadh, under the theme “AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future”. The sessions introduced a long-term roadmap for the next fifty years of global tourism, with the participation of ministers, ambassadors and delegates from 148 Member States.

A key highlight was the thematic session on the impact of artificial intelligence on the tourism industry, which gathered leaders from major technology and travel companies such as Microsoft, Amadeus IT Group, Trip.com Group and the World Economic Forum. The discussions focused on how AI can drive sustainability, efficiency and improved traveler experiences.

During the Assembly, the “UN Tourism Artificial Intelligence Challenge” awarded the Brazilian initiative Smart Tour as the overall winner for its innovative contribution to digital tourism development.

The “Riyadh Declaration on the Future of Tourism” sets out clear commitments to strengthen international cooperation, promote inclusion through digital innovation and empower local communities.

Among the main outcomes, the institutionalisation of the UN Tourism Africa-Americas Summit as a biennial platform was approved, the creation of a regional office in Shanghai was ratified, and future World Tourism Day themes were defined, including “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence” for 2026.

Source:
UN Tourism