World Tourism Day 2026: use AI to plan, then verify

World Tourism Day on 27 September 2026 focuses on digital transformation and artificial intelligence. UN Secretary-General António Guterres uses this year’s message to discuss how these tools influence destinations and travel experiences.

Technology and local communities

The UN highlights opportunities for better services and small businesses, alongside the risk of funnelling visitors towards the same places and platforms. The message calls for tourism workers and local communities to help shape technological change.

Checking an AI-generated itinerary

Our practical suggestion is to treat an AI itinerary as a draft. Check each museum, transport connection and accommodation listing with its operator. A convincing-looking schedule can still combine outdated opening hours with an unrealistic journey time.

Leave room for your own choices

Before booking, record the total price, conditions for changing your plans and the identity of the actual seller. Do not send documents or payment details to an unfamiliar form just because it appeared in a generated answer.

A Sunday walk could include a less familiar street, a local café or a small exhibition. Discovering somewhere different need not require a long journey. Technology can supply ideas, while your pace, budget and interests remain your own decisions.

This article and translation were prepared with AI assistance. How we work