Furthering its commitment to sustainable tourism, the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has unveiled the ‘Sustainable Tourism AI Assistant,’ an innovative virtual assistant designed to empower travellers, businesses, and institutions to make informed eco-friendly decisions.
Launched at GITEX Global, one of the world’s largest and most influential tech exhibitions, this forward-thinking initiative highlights Sharjah’s dedication to environmental preservation while reinforcing its position as a leader in sustainable tourism.
Supporting more than 40 languages, it offers tailored insights that promote responsible travel choices and support environmental stewardship on a global scale.
Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, stated: “Sharjah, through its practices, emphasises the importance of sustainability as a key pillar of its developmental operations, particularly in the tourism sector, which is one of the most vibrant sectors contributing to national economy. Amid global challenges related to climate change, the ‘Sustainable Tourism Smart Assistant’ comes as a practical model for applying global sustainable development goals, aligning with the UN World Tourism Organisation’s initiative ‘Towards a Statistical Framework for Measuring Sustainability’. The application provides comprehensive information for travellers, tourists, and stakeholders to adopt the best sustainable travel practices, enabling them to make informed decisions that protect the environment and reduce the ecological footprint.”
He added: “This project is an advanced technological tool that integrates the concept of sustainable tourism into daily practices. Its objectives are an integral part of Sharjah’s identity, and we are confident that it will contribute to enhancing cooperation between the public and private sectors, attracting sustainable investments, and encouraging civil society to adopt environmentally friendly behaviours, thereby reinforcing the emirate’s status as a global sustainable tourism destination.”
The Sustainable Tourism AI Assistant is designed to bridge the knowledge gap in sustainable practices. A key feature of the project is its crowdsourcing capability, which acts as a knowledge-sharing hub. With its ability to analyse data and deliver precise recommendations based on user behaviour and preferences, the assistant is constantly updated with the latest information and advancements in sustainability, ensuring that users have access to cutting-edge solutions and innovative practices.
* SCTDA can be found on stand S10-210.