A UN tourism official in Riyadh is inviting businesses to join a competition. This contest focuses on startups that use artificial intelligence (AI) in travel. It runs until Friday and aims to find companies that make travel better and more sustainable.
Why AI Matters in Travel
Samer Al-Kharashi, the director of the UN Tourism Regional Office for the Middle East, said AI is changing how we travel and enjoy new places. He believes this competition will help businesses that use AI to improve their services and support growth in the tourism industry
Why the UN Tourism Competition Matters
The competition wants entrepreneurs who are using AI in their travel businesses. It aims to find and help startups that create new ideas with AI technology. The best startups will meet mentors and leaders in the industry. Winners will get to present their ideas at the UN Tourism Demo Day and join a special program at SPARK, an innovation center. They will also connect with over 90 investors from around the world.
Saudi Arabia’s Role and Vision 2030 Alignment
Al-Kharashi emphasizes the need for Middle Eastern entrepreneurs to take part. The regional office wants to support local innovation and teamwork across borders. He believes it is important for local businesses to shape the future of global tourism.
Saudi Arabia is focused on digital solutions as part of its Vision 2030 plan. This competition supports these goals and offers a chance for young people interested in AI and new businesses.
Examples of AI in Tourism
One example of AI in Saudi tourism is NEOM, which uses a system called Arena OneBrain. This system creates personalized travel experiences by understanding human behavior. Another example is Red Sea Global, which has a robot that cleans beaches using AI. This robot can find and remove tiny pieces of trash. These examples show how Saudi Arabia is committed to using technology in tourism.
Conclusion:
The UN tourism competition invites innovative ideas from startups using AI. It provides great opportunities for entrepreneurs, especially in Saudi Arabia, to change the travel industry for the better.
