started · updated
World Tourism Day 2026 focuses on digital agenda and AI
World Tourism Day 2026 is being observed globally under the theme ‘Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism’. The central international celebrations are hosted in El Salvador, where leaders and UN Tourism officials are discussing how AI and digital tools are transforming travel planning, destination management, and visitor experiences.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has highlighted that while AI can empower small businesses and improve services, there is a risk that technology could concentrate tourism in a few specific locations if not managed carefully. He emphasized that technology must serve humanity and that local communities and workers must be involved in shaping this digital future.
Various nations are marking the day with specific local initiatives. In Bangladesh, the government is hosting a week of events including the first ‘Bangladesh Tourism Awards 2026’. In the Dominican Republic, the Enriquillo region is focusing on sustainable development and infrastructure. In the Maldives, officials are urging the industry to embrace digital innovation to support the national economy. Meanwhile, in Aruba, the Aruba Tourist Channel is celebrating its eighth anniversary by integrating AI into its digital travel ecosystem.
Entities
ARCHELON · Abrantes · Algeria · Antonio Guterres · Artificial intelligence · Aruba Tourist Channel · Dominican Republic · El Salvador · Eloá Nunes · European Union · Fikri Ataoğlu · Hasan Eker