AI-Powered Sustainability: How Smart Tech is Revolutionising Eco-Tourism
As digital transformation reshapes industries, the tourism sector is undergoing a fundamental shift. Sustainable tourism is no longer just about adopting eco-friendly practices; it is about leveraging cutting-edge technology to monitor, personalise, and optimise sustainability efforts.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of this transformation, driving data-driven sustainability, personalised experiences, and operational efficiency (Kumar, Rahman & Kazmi, 2013). For eco-tourism brands, AI presents an opportunity to move beyond greenwashing and deliver measurable environmental impact. From real-time carbon tracking to AI-driven personalisation and automated chatbots, smart technologies are redefining what it means to be a sustainable travel brand.
AI and Data-Driven Sustainability Tracking
One of the biggest challenges in sustainable tourism is proving impact. With consumer trust in sustainability claims at an all-time low, AI-powered data analytics provide verifiable and transparent environmental metrics. (McDonagh & Prothero, 2014)
AI-Enhanced Carbon Tracking: Organisations such as https://sustainabletravel.org/ now provide passengers with AI-calculated carbon footprint estimates per flight, allowing them to choose lower-emission routes or offset their travel impacts.
AI in Sustainable Hospitality: The Accor hotel group uses AI-powered energy management to optimise water and electricity use across its properties, reducing overall emissions by 5-10% per year Accor Sustainability Report 2024. Tracking their own emissions, energy use, and water consumption in real time, ensuring measurable progress toward sustainability goals (Sharma, 2021)
