OECD: AI adoption could bolster tourism in G7 countries – But how?

Travel

Artificial Intelligence (AI) could transform the tourism sector for the better, particularly in G7 countries. This is by driving innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity, according to the OECD’s latest policy paper, “Artificial Intelligence and Tourism.” 
In the report, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) emphasized that AI offers a transformative force in addressing tourism’s most pressing challenges, including managing visitor flows and optimizing resource usage. 
“AI applications offer highly personalised travel experiences through customised recommendations and virtual assistant services, analysing individual preferences to tailor suggestions for each traveller,” OECD stated.
AI-driven applications are already making headway in the industry, as tourists can now get tailored travel recommendations, automate operational tasks, and facilitate real-time traffic management. 
The policy paper also notes that AI has the potential to enhance visitor experiences with more interactive and personalized offerings while ensuring that tourism benefits are distributed equitably, especially in G7 countries comprising Germany, France, the US, Canada, the UK, Japan, and Italy.
Enhancing sustainability and accessibility
AI’s role in promoting sustainable tourism practices is a focal point of the OECD’s recommendations. By leveraging real-time data, AI can help destinations manage visitor flows to avoid overcrowding, preserve cultural heritage sites, and minimize environmental impacts. 
OECD mentioned Barcelona Zoo’s AI chatbot, Zoobot, as an example of how technology can enhance accessibility for visitors with disabilities. Similarly, it highlighted Notre Dame Cathedral’s use of AI-driven digital twins for restoration efforts, demonstrating AI’s capability to aid in the preservation of historical landmarks. 
Additionally, per the report, AI can improve the socio-economic value of tourism by fostering green mobility options, reducing carbon footprints, and promoting local economies. 
OECD also encouraged international collaboration among G7 nations to align AI research and policy efforts, which could make it easier to address global challenges collectively.
OECD: AI supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
In the paper, the OECD echoes the importance of supporting SMEs in tourism as they adapt to AI. These smaller enterprises often struggle to keep pace with rapid technological advancements, facing barriers such as high implementation costs, limited expertise, and regulatory complexities. 
According to the OECD, the divide in AI adoption risks exacerbating existing inequalities within the tourism sector, favoring large, tech-savvy enterprises over smaller players. The organization deems tailored support programs and training initiatives imperative to bridge this gap and ensure inclusive growth. 
However, for SMEs to leverage AI effectively, governments and industry bodies need to focus on accessible innovation hubs, practical training opportunities, and financial support mechanisms.
Addressing risks and challenges
Despite its benefits, the OECD cautions against the risks of AI adoption. Data privacy concerns, algorithmic bias, and workforce displacement require careful management. While AI has the potential to automate routine tasks and create more complex, rewarding jobs, there is also a risk of job displacement, particularly in roles reliant on manual labor or repetitive tasks. 
OECD shed light on the misuse of AI for manipulative marketing, such as deepfake tourism videos or fake reviews, which can erode trust and harm destination reputations. To address these concerns, the organization calls for international cooperation in developing ethical AI standards and ensuring compliance.
“Existing regulatory and legal frameworks can promote responsible AI use in tourism by providing clear guidelines for developers and operators, and facilitate the safe and ethical integration of AI technologies. It is also important to provide a safe environment for businesses to test and pilot innovation including AI applications,” the paper outlined.
The OECD report concludes that while AI adoption in tourism is still in its early stages, its potential to revolutionize the sector is immense. 
From Zero to Web3 Pro: Your 90-Day Career Launch Plan

Sikkim Shines At The 8th Bengal Tourism Mart 2024

Travel

Gangtok, Dec 19: The 8th Edition of Bengal Travel Mart 2024 -the largest B2B & B2C Travel Mart in East & North East India is being held from 17th to 19th of December ’24 at The Grand Casa Hotel, Siliguri. The goal of BTM 2024 is to establish North Bengal & Sikkim as a platform for the inbound domestic market for the stakeholders of this region.The event is organised by EHTTOA (Eastern Himalaya Travel and Tour Operators Association) and is supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India (MoT) and WBT (West Bengal Tourism). The event has the participation of states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Tripura, Odisha and also the Ministry of Tourism, along with the Tourism Board of Nepal and Pokhara Tourism Council.This event offered great opportunity and wonderful platform to sell Sikkim Tourism to the local people and all the trade visitor for the mart who come from Darjeeling Hills, Bhutan, Bangladesh and also the seven sister states of Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram & Tripura.Officials of Tourism & Civil Aviation Department, Government of Sikkim along with Stakeholder representatives from Sikkim is participating in this prestigious event. During the Award Ceremony held on 18th December 2024 , the Bengal Travel Mart bestowed Sikkim Tourism with “World’s First Organic State ” award which was received by Secretary, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department , Government of Sikkim Shri. Prakash Chhetri.During the speech Secretary Tourism and Civil Aviation highlights the potential of tourism of sikkim, upcoming plans to boost tourism by State Government and the vision of Chief Minister’s ” Sunaulo Samriddha ani Samarth Sikkim” and he informed the gathering that the Department of Tourism is committed to give best hospitality, services, infrastructure to the visitors.

Sikkim Shines At The 8th Bengal Tourism Mart 2024

Travel

Gangtok, Dec 19: The 8th Edition of Bengal Travel Mart 2024 -the largest B2B & B2C Travel Mart in East & North East India is being held from 17th to 19th of December ’24 at The Grand Casa Hotel, Siliguri. The goal of BTM 2024 is to establish North Bengal & Sikkim as a platform for the inbound domestic market for the stakeholders of this region.The event is organised by EHTTOA (Eastern Himalaya Travel and Tour Operators Association) and is supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India (MoT) and WBT (West Bengal Tourism). The event has the participation of states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Tripura, Odisha and also the Ministry of Tourism, along with the Tourism Board of Nepal and Pokhara Tourism Council.This event offered great opportunity and wonderful platform to sell Sikkim Tourism to the local people and all the trade visitor for the mart who come from Darjeeling Hills, Bhutan, Bangladesh and also the seven sister states of Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram & Tripura.Officials of Tourism & Civil Aviation Department, Government of Sikkim along with Stakeholder representatives from Sikkim is participating in this prestigious event. During the Award Ceremony held on 18th December 2024 , the Bengal Travel Mart bestowed Sikkim Tourism with “World’s First Organic State ” award which was received by Secretary, Tourism and Civil Aviation Department , Government of Sikkim Shri. Prakash Chhetri.During the speech Secretary Tourism and Civil Aviation highlights the potential of tourism of sikkim, upcoming plans to boost tourism by State Government and the vision of Chief Minister’s ” Sunaulo Samriddha ani Samarth Sikkim” and he informed the gathering that the Department of Tourism is committed to give best hospitality, services, infrastructure to the visitors.

Proposed bus service could boost tourism and connectivity in Leitrim and Sligo

Travel

Manorhamilton Municipal District will contact Local Link to explore the possibility of starting a service along the L-4146-0 road connecting Glencar Waterfall to Manorhamilton in the east and Drumcliffe in the west.
Cllr James Gilmartin proposed a motion at December’s meeting of Manorhamilton MD highlighting the benefits such a service could bring to the area.
“There’s great scope there for developing a local link bus route for people that are there but also to bring tourism to the area.
“There’s three or four great tourist attractions that would bring people into Leitrim from Sligo. “Also for the people that live in the areas to bring them into Sligo and Manorhamilton and back out,” Cllr Gilmartin said.
In a similar motion that followed, Cllr Felim Gurn told members of Manorhamilton MD that rural bus connections are essential for tourist attractions like Glencar Waterfall, which he described as one of Leitrim’s biggest draws.

“If you’re a tourist and you come into Manorhamilton and you don’t drive, the bus would be there,” Cllr Gurn said.
Cllr Justin Warnock supported the motion, acknowledging the positive impact the Local Link has had on Kinlough by connecting it to Bundoran and Ballyshannon.
“It’s only a small thing but it changed life for an awful lot of people for the better,” he commented.
Councillors unanimously agreed to write to the Local Link to discuss the potential benefits of introducing a service on this route.
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Navigating Payment Challenges In Travel: The Road Ahead In 2025

Travel

Suby Valluri , CEO at FInMont 19.12.2024 08:15 am #TravelPayments #PaymentChallengesThe travel industry stands at a critical juncture in 2025, grappling with the dual challenges of technological disruption and evolving consumer expectations. A traveller survey by FinMont, a global payment orchestration platform, delves into these issues, uncovering significant gaps in current payment processes and opportunities for transformation. With nearly $1 trillion in annual airline transactions and billions more across the broader travel sector, the stakes are high. Travel Payment Pain Points: A Consumer PerspectiveThe survey highlights that lengthy, complex payment processes remain a persistent frustration for travellers, particularly among younger demographics. Key issues include:Limited Payment Options: Nearly 10% of consumers under 34 abandon bookings if mobile payment solutions like Apple Pay or Android Pay are unavailable.Lack of Transparency: Hidden fees and unclear pricing structures frustrate 25% of respondents, leading many to seek more transparent providers.Cumbersome Booking Processes: Over 20% of consumers report that travel bookings are more complicated than retail shopping, further compounding dissatisfaction.These pain points underline the necessity for travel companies to rethink and streamline their payment ecosystems. Opportunities in Flexible and Innovative Payment SolutionsEmerging trends like Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) offer promising opportunities. The survey reveals that over 10% of travellers would spend more on travel if flexible payment options such as Klarna were available. Similarly, loyalty rewards significantly influence consumer preferences, with 14% of respondents favouring providers that offer robust rewards programs.To capitalise on these trends, travel companies must:Integrate Popular Payment Methods: Offering mobile-friendly solutions such as Apple Pay is critical for engaging younger travellers.Embrace Payment Flexibility: BNPL and similar models can unlock new revenue streams by increasing purchasing power.Enhance Loyalty Programs: Reward schemes can foster long-term relationships and encourage repeat bookings.Cost and Complexity: The Financial Stress of PaymentsThe financial burden of payment processing is immense. Airline payment transactions alone cost the industry $20.3 billion annually, representing 2.2% of transaction value and 78% of net profits. When factoring in the broader travel sector, the complexity of managing payment systems emerges as a significant issue, cited by 41% of firms in a recent IATA whitepaper.This complexity impacts sales conversions and shopping cart abandonment, with rates much higher than in other industries. To remain competitive, travel merchants must adopt technologies that reduce dropouts and simplify the payment journey. The Role of Technology in Transforming PaymentsAdvancements in artificial intelligence (AI), real-time pricing, and payment orchestration are poised to revolutionise travel payments. At FinMont, for example, a unified payment ecosystem connects distribution channels with risk management, FX services, and back-office systems. By leveraging an advanced AI engine, the platform optimises payment routes and methods, decreasing costs and increasing acceptance rates for B2C and B2B transactions.Such innovations offer travel companies the tools to:Streamline Payments: Simplify processes to align with consumer expectations for seamless transactions.Improve Transparency: Build trust by offering clear, upfront pricing and reducing hidden fees.Enhance Revenue: By minimising dropouts and enabling flexible payment options, companies can boost conversions and customer retention.Looking Ahead: A Call to ActionIn a hyper-competitive market, travel companies cannot afford to lag behind in payment innovation. By addressing pain points, embracing flexibility, and harnessing technology, they can create a frictionless payment experience that not only meets but exceeds consumer expectations.As the travel industry continues its post-pandemic recovery, payment transformation will be a cornerstone of success. Companies that prioritise seamless, transparent, and efficient payment systems will not only enhance customer satisfaction but also secure their place in a rapidly evolving landscape.FinMont leads the charge in revolutionising travel payments. With its cutting-edge payment orchestration platform, the company empowers travel merchants to optimise their payment strategies, reduce costs, and enhance customer journeys—setting a new standard for excellence in the industry.