AI is a promising technology for advancing sustainability in tourism. By using the power of data analytics, optimizing resource management, and enhancing visitor experiences, AI reshapes the way we explore the world.

In an era where environmental consciousness is paramount, industries worldwide are embracing sustainability as a core principle. Among them, tourism stands out as a sector ripe for transformation. With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), we are witnessing a groundbreaking shift toward more sustainable practices within the tourism industry ^{[ 1 ]}. From reducing carbon footprints to preserving natural habitats, AI is playing a pivotal role in reshaping how we explore the world while preserving it for future generations.

Perhaps the most significant way AI supports sustainable tourism is through data analysis. By harnessing vast amounts of data from various sources such as weather patterns ^{[ 2 ]}, visitor demographics, and resource consumption, AI can provide valuable insights for destination management.

Dr. Mohamed Saeed Darweesh, Senior IEEE member, Associate Professor at the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Nile University in Giza, Egypt, and Young Professionals member, talks about how AI can play a crucial role in safeguarding artifacts from the impacts of climate change. “As an example, AI-powered sensors can continuously monitor environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and air quality in cultural heritage sites. Any deviations from optimal conditions can trigger alerts, enabling prompt action to protect artifacts from damage,” he says.

Predictive analytics help cultural heritage sites anticipate potential threats to artifacts and plan mitigation strategies accordingly, such as limiting overcrowding in fragile ecosystems. This not only preserves the natural beauty of the destination but also enhances the visitor experience by reducing crowd-related stress.

Dr. Darweesh says that AI’s data-driven systems can optimize resource management in tourist hotspots. “AI technologies enable destination managers to optimize resource allocation and infrastructure planning based on real-time data analytics,” he says. “They can also help local site managers optimize their tourist services such as transportation, waste management, and energy distribution. All these aspects enhance visitors’ experience, while protecting the ecosystem.”

Just like in Smart Cities, sensors deployed in hotels, resorts, and public spaces can monitor energy and water usage in real time. Through machine-learning algorithms, these systems can identify patterns of excessive consumption and suggest strategies for conservation ^{[ 3 ]}. By minimizing waste and promoting efficiency, AI contributes to reducing the ecological footprint of tourism infrastructure.

AI-powered solutions are revolutionizing transportation within the tourism sector. From optimizing flight routes to enhancing public transportation systems, AI is making travel more eco-friendly. For instance, airlines are utilizing AI algorithms to optimize fuel efficiency ^{[ 4 ]}. And ride-sharing platforms are integrating AI to match passengers heading in the same direction, reducing the number of vehicles on the road and easing traffic congestion in popular tourist destinations ^{[ 5 ]}.

The advent of AI has also revolutionized the way tourists experience destinations. Virtual-reality (VR) and augmented-reality (AR) technologies powered by AI offer immersive alternatives to traditional travel experiences ^{[ 6 ]}. Through VR simulations, travelers can explore remote locations without leaving a significant carbon footprint associated with long-distance travel ^{[ 7 ]}. AR applications provide interactive experiences that educate visitors about local ecosystems and cultural heritage, advancing a deeper appreciation for the environment and indigenous communities.

AI-driven personalization can enhance the quality of tourist experiences while minimizing their environmental impact, including the use of serious-games technology ^{[ 8 ]}. Dr. Darweesh remarks that “serious games teach kids and adults about history in general through several game quests, using the AI to detect and classify the artifacts with trusted information about each artifact, and chatbots that provide instant assistance to travelers, answering queries and offering tourist place recommendations. The AI can give audiences a more in-depth museum experience, not only to appreciate their civilization and identity but to connect with the objects themselves.”

By analyzing user preferences and behavior patterns ^{[ 9 ]}, AI algorithms can tailor travel recommendations to match individual interests while promoting sustainable activities and accommodations.

AI is also empowering conservation efforts in natural habitats and wildlife reserves ^{[ 10 ]}. Through advanced monitoring systems equipped with AI algorithms, conservationists can track and analyze animal behavior, identify poaching threats, and monitor environmental changes in real time. By providing these timely insights, AI enables proactive conservation measures to protect endangered species and preserve biodiversity in ecologically sensitive areas.

While AI is a promising technology for advancing sustainability in tourism, training advanced AI models demands substantial computational power, which contributes to a negative environmental impact. To mitigate the environmental impact of AI, efforts are underway to develop more energy-efficient algorithms ^{[ 11 ]}.

By using the power of data analytics, optimizing resource management, and enhancing visitor experiences, AI is reshaping how we explore the world. Dr. Darweesh is excited by the possibilities of AI in sustainable tourism.  “AI will revolutionize tourism with personalized experiences, destination load balancing, and sustainable practices,” he says.