Tourism Minister Fatima Al Sairafi led Bahrain’s delegation to the 26th General Assembly of the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), held in Riyadh.
Marking the organisation's 50th-anniversary, the event gathered representatives from more than 160 countries, international organisations, and global tourism leaders under the theme “AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future”.
Speaking at a panel held on the sidelines of the assembly, the minister highlighted the transformative role of AI in shaping the future of global tourism.
She emphasised that the growing adoption of AI tools reflected a shared global commitment to harnessing technology for innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness across the sector.
"Bahrain is committed to turning AI into a catalyst for creativity and innovation in tourism,” she said.
“By applying AI-driven insights into visitor behaviours and preferences, we aim to make informed, strategic decisions that enhance service excellence, diversify tourism offerings and strengthen destination management.
“These efforts will elevate Bahrain’s tourism experience and contribute to the sustainable growth of the sector and wider national economy.”
She added that AI now served as a foundation for a more sustainable and efficient tourism future, underscoring Bahrain's readiness to collaborate with regional and international partners to adopt advanced technologies that can help to elevate its global positioning.
“Through collective efforts, we can leverage technology to foster innovation and advance Bahrain’s standing as a premier global destination in line with the Tourism Strategy 2022-2026,” said the minister.
The assembly's sessions focused on the future of tourism amid rapid technological change, exploring innovative approaches and transformation strategies as key drivers of sustainable development.
Delegates explored emerging applications of AI in tourism and global and regional investment trends, highlighting the Gulf region's rising influence in shaping the sector’s future.
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