Chapter 12: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Tourism Practices

The 28th meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) brought together over 70,000 delegates to address climate change, carbon emissions reduction, and sustainable development. The tourism industry, contributing 8% of global carbon emissions, poses significant environmental challenges. The surge in tourism post-COVID restrictions and aviation emissions doubling by 2050 exacerbate concerns. Literature indicates a complex relationship between tourism, economic growth, and environmental impact. Utilizing the STIRPAT model, our study examines sustainable tourism intensity across G20 countries. The analysis reveals positive correlations between tourist arrivals, energy consumption, urbanization, and carbon emissions. Integrating AI, our research explores predictive modeling, smart energy management, and personalized recommendations to mitigate carbon emissions. We call for concerted action to leverage AI for greener, more sustainable tourism practices, advocating for a shared vision of tourism that safeguards the planet while enriching traveler experiences.