UN Tourism Sets Artificial Intelligence Agenda for the Future of Global Tourism - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

UN Tourism has concluded the largest General Assembly in its 50-year history, bringing together delegates from 148 Member States, including 90 tourism ministers and 70 ambassadors. Over three days, participants charted a collective path toward a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable future for global tourism, with a clear focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a transformative force for the sector.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili emphasized:

“As UN Tourism celebrates 50 years, we look ahead to the next half-century. The sector will be transformed by innovation and Artificial Intelligence. We are proud to support leading innovators and help our Member States fully harness the power of AI to diversify tourism, drive inclusive growth, and expand opportunities for all.”

Spotlight on Artificial Intelligence

A special Thematic Session on the Impact of Artificial Intelligence highlighted UN Tourism’s growing leadership in digital transformation. Executive Director Natalia Bayona outlined the Organization’s AI strategy before an open policy debate featuring over 30 heads of delegation and industry leaders.

High-level contributors included Apostolos Tzitzikostas, EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, alongside representatives from Amadeus, Trip.com, Microsoft, and the World Economic Forum.

The Assembly also hosted the final of the UN Tourism Artificial Intelligence Challenge, celebrating the innovators reshaping the sector. Smart Tour (Brazil) was named the overall winner for its groundbreaking use of AI to enhance travel experiences and efficiency.

The Riyadh Declaration on the Future of Tourism

The session concluded with the adoption of the Riyadh Declaration on the Future of Tourism, establishing a shared global roadmap for digital innovation and AI integration. The declaration calls for stronger international cooperation, resilience, and empowerment of local communities through inclusive tourism economies.

Signatories pledged to:

·         Incentivize investment in digital and AI-driven infrastructure

·         Address workforce shortages and skills gaps

·         Support local entrepreneurship through technological innovation

New leadership and expanded global presence

During the Assembly, Shaikha Al Nowais was confirmed as the new Secretary-General of UN Tourism, becoming the first woman to lead the UN Specialized Agency for tourism since its founding. She will begin her term in January 2026.

Member States also approved the formal institutionalization of the UN Tourism Africa & Americas Summit as a permanent biennial platform for political and technical cooperation, and endorsed the creation of a new Mechanism for South-South Cooperation.

Additionally, Members accepted China’s proposal to establish a UN Tourism Regional Office in Shanghai, strengthening the Organization’s global footprint.

Looking ahead: AI and education as pillars of tourism’s future

Delegates approved future World Tourism Day themes that align with the Assembly’s forward-looking agenda:

·         2026: “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence,” hosted by El Salvador

·         2027: “Transforming Tourism through Education,” hosted by Cabo Verde

Finally, Member States voted to hold the 27th session of the UN Tourism General Assembly in the Dominican Republic, reaffirming the Organization’s commitment to global inclusivity and regional representation in shaping the next era of tourism.

Image Credit: © UN Tourims