NEW YORK — New reports from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) highlight the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its role in shaping the future of Travel & Tourism.
The WTTC’s final two reports of a series with Microsoft on AI – ‘Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI): Overview of AI Risks, Safety & Governance’ and ‘Artificial Intelligence (AI): Global Strategies, Policies & Regulations,’ – underscore a commitment to a digital future that prioritizes safety, ethical considerations, and responsible AI adoption, says WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson.
Launched during the global tourism body’s participation at the UN General Assembly in New York, the reports mark significant milestones in WTTC’s mission to promote innovation and excellence in customer experiences through the safe and trustworthy integration of AI, she adds.
‘Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI)’ delves into the potential risks associated with AI deployment and offers strategies for establishing frameworks that promote transparency, accountability, and fairness.
From addressing bias and discrimination to ensuring human oversight of AI systems, this report empowers organizations to harness the power of AI responsibly.
In the fourth and final instalment, ‘Artificial Intelligence (AI): Global Strategies, Policies & Regulations,’ WTTC provides a detailed overview of the AI ecosystem across key countries and international organizations.
“In a rapidly evolving landscape, AI emerges as a catalyst for positive change. The insights provided in these reports demonstrate that AI is not just a technological advancement; it is a strategic tool that can personalise customer experiences, drive sustainable improvements, and shape the future of Travel & Tourism,” said Simpson.
“AI is already being used across our sector with incredible results. Several major hotel groups including Iberostar are using AI to monitor and reduce food waste, which recently resulted not only in a 27% cost saving but prevented thousands of kilos of unwanted food going to landfill,” she added.
According to WTTC, AI has the power to revolutionise how businesses in the Travel & Tourism sector operate, offering immense opportunities for growth and innovation.
Challenges such as AI-skilled workforce shortages in the travel and tourism sector persist, highlighting the importance of proactive measures to overcome barriers to adoption.
The reports can be accessed here.
