Riyadh: Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology and Acting Minister of Information and Culture, Omar Al-Omar, announced Wednesday that the conference focused on advancing tourism through Artificial Intelligence represents a practical extension of dialogue on the future of the tourism sector and its development tools. The event is taking place alongside the 52nd meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for the Middle East.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Al-Omar stated in his opening remarks that the conference occurs at a time of swift transformations in tourism, necessitating enhanced planning tools, updated operational models, and more efficient policies in line with global changes and national aspirations. He emphasized that artificial intelligence is a key enabler in reshaping tourism, not merely as a technical tool but as a strategic instrument to improve decision-making, enhance performance, and strengthen forecasting and responsiveness across varying conditions.
Al-Omar further stressed the importance of digital transformation in tourism by adopting advanced technologies, investing in human capital, and fostering regional and international cooperation to ensure efficient and responsible utilization of AI. He highlighted the need for collaboration to harness AI's potential effectively.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Sheikha Al-Nowais also addressed the conference, expressing that AI would unify data, improve decision quality, and direct investments toward high-impact areas. She pointed out the responsibility that comes with AI's growing role in the sector, revealing that 80 percent of Middle East members have national AI strategies, while 90 percent plan to increase AI funding in tourism over the next five years.
UN Tourism Executive Director Natalia Bayona underscored the impact of AI on the sector and discussed the progress on the Riyadh Declaration outcomes. The conference featured sessions on smart travel, private sector perspectives, and AI-driven innovation. Additionally, it witnessed the launch of a joint UN Tourism-Amadeus workshop to support public sector adoption of AI in line with sustainable and competitive tourism development goals.