Türkiye leads way in AI revolutionizing global tourism

Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister of Culture and Tourism of Türkiye, emphasized the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the tourism sector during the 14th International Resort Tourism Congress in Antalya. Describing AI as one of humanity’s fastest-evolving technologies, Ersoy remarked, “AI in tourism is not just a novelty but a revolution. As Türkiye, we are determined to lead this transformation.”

The event, hosted by the Mediterranean Touristic Hoteliers and Operators Association with Türkiye Isbank as the main sponsor, brought together key players in the tourism industry. Ersoy expressed pride in hosting one of the sector’s most prestigious gatherings, which serves as a platform to share Türkiye’s tourism vision and explore innovative approaches.

New vision for tourism in Türkiye’s second century

The congress revolved around the themes “Tourism in the New Century of Our Republic” and “Collective Craftsmanship: The New Tourism Era.” Ersoy noted that the event highlights the responsibility of building the future of tourism through craftsmanship and collaboration.

“Building a successful future requires working together with great dedication,” he stated, adding that this year’s congress aimed to address challenges, discover new opportunities, and focus on innovation and cooperation in tourism.

Ersoy pointed out that the tourism sector had played a crucial role in Türkiye’s first century of the Republic by boosting economic development, enhancing its global image, and showcasing its rich cultural heritage. For the second century, Ersoy outlined a broader vision, emphasizing economic benefits alongside environmental sustainability, cultural preservation, and a more inclusive approach to tourism.

Record-breaking tourism revenues in 2023

Türkiye’s tourism sector achieved significant milestones this year. In the first nine months of 2023, the country welcomed 49.2 million tourists, marking a nearly 9% increase compared to the previous year. Foreign visitors’ average daily spending rose to $107, contributing to a 4.5% increase in overall tourism revenues.

“The third quarter of this year witnessed tourism revenues reaching $23.2 billion—the highest quarterly income in our history,” Ersoy highlighted. “By the end of the third quarter, total tourism revenue had reached $46.9 billion, a 6.6% increase compared to the previous year.”

Türkiye’s AI-powered tourism revolution

Ersoy detailed the Ministry‘s efforts to integrate AI into the tourism sector, describing it as an essential step in aligning with global technological advancements.

“AI is redefining tourism by elevating visitor experiences to unprecedented levels,” Ersoy said. “We aim to make Türkiye more accessible, smarter, and sustainable by integrating AI into our tourism strategy.”

Future initiatives include AI-based guidance systems in museums and cultural sites, offering interactive and immersive experiences for visitors. “By telling the story of our past with the technology of the future, we aim to transcend digital boundaries and share Türkiye’s cultural heritage with the world,” he added.

Diversifying Türkiye’s tourism offerings

Türkiye has moved beyond the traditional “sun, sea, and sand” triangle, offering diverse experiences such as walking and cycling routes covering ancient civilizations, cultural trails like the Lycian Way and the Route of Prophets, and gastronomic routes featuring olives, cheese, and tea.

During the congress, Ersoy also highlighted the success of promotional films showcasing Türkiye during major global events like the Paris Olympics. “These films reached millions worldwide, reflecting the effectiveness of our efforts in promoting our country,” he noted.

Sustainable tourism infrastructure

In addition to promoting tourism, Ersoy emphasized investments in infrastructure to support sustainable tourism. Antalya Airport’s capacity has been doubled and will be operational by March. Additionally, the Antalya-Alanya highway project and advanced water treatment facilities are part of the Ministry’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

“Preserving our blue flag beaches is a priority, and we’ve undertaken initiatives to ensure our environmental assets remain pristine,” Ersoy concluded.

Türkiye’s innovative approach, combining AI with sustainable tourism practices, positions the nation as a global leader in redefining visitor experiences. As the tourism industry enters a new era, Türkiye’s vision of integrating advanced technology with cultural and environmental preservation sets a benchmark for the world to follow.