Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to redefine the future of global tourism, with projections showing the industry reaching USD 13 billion by 2030 and growing at an annual rate of 29%.
Despite this rapid growth, it represents just over 1% of global AI spending by 2025. Against this backdrop, the tourism industry continues to undergo a digital revolution, with AI now playing a transformative role in how travelers plan and experience trips.
Ambassador Uko shared insights on how the tourism industry can leverage AI, particularly in promotion, idea generation, and lead development. He also highlighted the dangers of over-reliance on technology, referencing several failed tourism technology projects across Africa, as well as personal experiences from organizing Akwaaba African Travel Market over the years.
During the ongoing 68th UN Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF) Conference held at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, Ambassador Ikechi Uko, Organizer of Akwaaba African Travel Market, joined a high-level panel discussion on Artificial Intelligence in tourism alongside Nigeria’s Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hon. Mrs. Hannatu Musawa.
The panel also featured the Director General of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Dr. Abdul KAMARA, Seychelles Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism – Mr Sylvestre Radegonde and Mr Carlos Díez de la Lastra – CEO of Les Roches Global Hospitality Education, Spain. The session was moderated by Elcia Grancourt, Regional Director for Africa at UN Tourism.
The evolution of the tourism digital landscape began in the 1960s to 1990s with the birth of the internet, laying the foundation for digital access to travel information. Between 1994 and 2005, the emergence of online travel agencies and the rise of big data significantly disrupted traditional booking models. From 2008 to 2020, the sharing economy made travel more local, flexible, and connected, driven by platforms that allowed peer-to-peer services. Since 2021, the focus has shifted to artificial intelligence, with intelligent tools enhancing trip planning, service delivery, and personalized travel experiences.
Recent statistics reveal how travelers are adopting AI in their journey: 70% use it to discover attractions or activities, 58% rely on it to save time during trip planning, 40% turn to AI to find new destinations, 23% use it for quick adjustments to plans, and 22% depend on it to stay within budget.
“Tourism is a personal experience,” he emphasized, “and while AI can enhance that experience, it can never replace it.”
