SCTDA Introduces Innovative Sustainable Tourism AI Assistant To Promote Eco-Friendly Travel Choices

The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has introduced a new virtual assistant aimed at promoting sustainable tourism. This tool, named the "Sustainable Tourism AI Assistant," was launched during GITEX Global 2024, a major tech exhibition. It is designed to help travellers, businesses, and institutions make eco-friendly choices, showcasing Sharjah's commitment to environmental conservation.

The AI assistant supports over 40 languages, providing customised insights that encourage responsible travel and global environmental stewardship. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, remarked on the initiative's significance: "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."

Al Midfa further explained that the project serves as a practical model for implementing global sustainable development goals. It aligns with the UN World Tourism Organisation's initiative 'Towards a Statistical Framework for Measuring Sustainability'. The application provides comprehensive information for travellers and stakeholders to adopt sustainable travel practices.

The AI assistant is designed to fill knowledge gaps in sustainable practices by using an extensive database curated by sustainability experts. It offers innovative solutions that help users access strategies contributing to environmental protection and sustainable tourism promotion. This empowers decision-makers to make informed choices with a focus on sustainability.

Al Midfa also highlighted the project's role in fostering cooperation between public and private sectors. He stated: "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." The initiative aims to attract sustainable investments and encourage civil society to adopt eco-friendly behaviours.

A notable feature of this project is its crowdsourcing capability. It acts as a hub for sharing knowledge where industry partners and individuals can upload their solutions and experiences. Each contribution undergoes vetting for credibility and effectiveness, promoting continuous learning among users.

Customised Solutions for Users

The AI assistant provides tailored solutions addressing specific user needs across various sustainability topics like energy efficiency, waste management, and sustainable mobility. By analysing data and user behaviour, it delivers precise recommendations while staying updated with the latest advancements in sustainability.

This initiative not only supports tourists but also benefits residents by offering valuable insights into eco-friendly practices. With its multilingual support and ability to provide cutting-edge solutions, it reinforces Sharjah’s status as a leader in global sustainable tourism.

With inputs from WAM