Embracing AI: China Leads Human-Centred Tourism Transformation on China Tourism Day 2025

Published on May 19, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

Tourism has always been more than just a form of recreation or economic activity—it is a platform for human connection, cultural exchange, and social development.

As the world marks China Tourism Day on May 19, 2025, the spotlight shifts toward an important question: how can the tourism sector adapt to a rapidly transforming world while remaining rooted in its human-centered mission?

Tourism is widely considered one of the most human-centric industries, bringing people together across cultures, ideologies, and continents.

It contributes 10% of global GDP and supports 1 in 10 jobs worldwide (UNWTO, 2024).

Yet, its influence goes far beyond economic impact. It fosters peace, cultural understanding, youth empowerment, and innovation.

This year, the theme of China Tourism Day reflects a growing realization: to ensure a resilient and sustainable future, tourism must blend technological innovation—especially artificial intelligence (AI)—with people-first values.

The Human-Centric Nature of Tourism

Tourism has long been a conduit for human connection, transcending borders to unite people, cultures, and ideas. It accounts for approximately 10% of global GDP and supports one in ten jobs worldwide.

Beyond these figures, tourism fosters sustainable development, empowers youth, and drives innovation. In the face of global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change, the sector’s resilience and adaptability are more crucial than ever.

China’s Role in Shaping Future Tourism

China’s strategic initiatives underscore its pivotal role in redefining tourism. The country’s digital prowess, entrepreneurial spirit, and policy reforms position it as a leader in promoting smart, inclusive, and responsible travel. Recent government measures, including expanded visa-free policies for countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Peru, aim to facilitate cross-border travel and enhance international tourism exchanges .

Integrating AI into Tourism

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the tourism industry by enhancing efficiency, accessibility, and personalization. UN Tourism’s initiatives exemplify this integration:

• Tourism Online Academy: Offers over 70 courses in five languages, utilizing AI-powered tutors that adapt content to learners’ linguistic and cultural contexts, thereby making education more inclusive and human-centered.
• AI-Driven Chatbots: Pilot programs provide tourism workers—such as taxi drivers, tour guides, and hotel staff—with access to training via platforms like WhatsApp and WeChat. These tools deliver micro-lessons and certifications, democratizing knowledge and promoting lifelong learning .

Smart Destination Management

AI’s role extends to destination management, where data analytics inform strategies to mitigate overcrowding and over-tourism. By analyzing visitor flows and preferences, local authorities can optimize infrastructure planning and enhance visitor experiences, ensuring sustainable tourism development.

Empowering Youth Through Innovation

Youth engagement is central to tourism’s future. UN Tourism’s “Global Youth Tourism Startup Competitions” highlight the innovative contributions of young entrepreneurs, particularly in the Global South.

China’s youth are actively developing AI-powered translation apps and immersive virtual reality experiences, reflecting the nation’s commitment to nurturing talent and integrating youth perspectives into global tourism discourse .

Ethical Considerations and Sustainable Practices

The integration of AI into tourism necessitates a commitment to ethical standards, including transparency, data privacy, and cultural sensitivity.

UN Tourism advocates for responsible AI use that complements human creativity and decision-making, ensuring that technological advancements serve to enhance, rather than replace, human interactions.

China’s Commitment to AI Governance

China’s proactive stance on AI governance is evident in its participation in international initiatives and the development of regulatory frameworks.

The country’s involvement in the UN’s “Enhancing International Cooperation on Capacity-building of Artificial Intelligence” resolution and its hosting of the 2025 World AI Conference demonstrate a dedication to fostering inclusive and sustainable AI development .

Celebrating China Tourism Day 2025

China Tourism Day 2025 serves as a platform to showcase the nation’s advancements in integrating AI with tourism. Events across the country highlight the fusion of technology and culture, emphasizing China’s leadership in creating a tourism sector that is dynamic, human-centered, and forward-looking.

As we commemorate China Tourism Day, the convergence of AI and human-centric values in tourism underscores a transformative era. China’s initiatives exemplify how embracing technology, while prioritizing human connections, can lead to a more inclusive, sustainable, and innovative global tourism landscape.