AI Could Make Travel More Personal as Tourism Experts Meet in Jammu, India

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AI in tourism was placed at the centre of a stakeholders and academia meet organised by the Central University of Jammu. More personal journeys, stronger destination promotion and the preservation of local identity were discussed as priorities for the sector. The programme was held to commemorate World Tourism Day 2026, with attention directed towards Jammu and Kashmir’s landscapes, heritage and cultural stories.

For travellers, the discussion concerned how destinations are presented and experiences are personalised. Throughout the meeting, technology was considered alongside the human knowledge through which the region’s character, traditions and tourism potential are shared with a wider audience.

Personalised Travel Experiences and Smarter Tourism

Personalised travel experiences were highlighted by Aijaz Qiaser, Joint Director of the Directorate of Tourism, who attended as chief guest. Attention was drawn to AI’s potential to support individual travel experiences and the promotion of Jammu and Kashmir’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and destinations through digital platforms.

At the meet, which was organised by the Department of Tourism and Travel Management within the School of Business Studies, academic and industry perspectives were brought together. Government representatives and media professionals were also included in the discussion.

The programme was centred on the theme “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism”. Digital transformation in tourism was examined through the promotion of destinations and the potential for more personal experiences to be offered.

The integration of AI was described as a strategic necessity for the future of the tourism sector by CUJ Registrar Prof Yashwant Singh. A further emphasis was placed on smarter, more personal and sustainable tourism by Prof Neelika Arora, Dean of the School of Business Studies. The importance of keeping the human element central was underlined in her remarks.

Jammu Tourism and the Value of Local Stories

The potential of Jammu tourism was examined during a panel discussion on digital platforms, data analytics and AI tools. Destination management, tourism promotion, heritage conservation and storytelling were included among the subjects considered. Particular attention was given to the region’s lesser-known stories and cultural richness.

Through these exchanges, digital transformation in tourism was connected with the way local heritage is communicated. The need for technology to complement human efforts was stressed by the panellists. Jammu’s tourism potential was discussed alongside the knowledge and stories through which its destinations are introduced to wider audiences.

The panel was made up of S M Sahni, a former JKAS officer and Convenor of the INTACH Jammu Chapter; Vaibhav Sharma, Founder and CEO of Travellers Dost; Vikas Manhas, Founder and CEO of Enjoy Unlimited Holidays; and Sarang, a radio jockey at 91.9 Red FM.

The session was moderated by Dr Ranjeet Raman. Students attending the meeting were also involved through interaction with the panellists, allowing the academic discussion to be extended through exchanges with tourism professionals and a media representative.

AI in tourism was consequently considered within a broader conversation about destination identity, with promotional possibilities discussed alongside the human contribution to sharing cultural heritage.

Regional Crafts and Cultural Traditions on Display

Cultural expression was included in the programme through folk dances and a cultural ramp walk. Traditional attire and the heritage of different communities were showcased, placing the discussion of tourism alongside visible expressions of regional identity.

An accompanying exhibition was also visited by participants. Calico print products were displayed by Minna Dubey of Silpini, while bamboo products were presented by Meenakshi of Okobambus Pvt. Ltd. These craft displays formed part of a programme in which digital technology, heritage and cultural promotion were considered together.

For Jammu tourism, the crafts and performances provided a cultural setting for the discussion. The traditional products and community attire were presented alongside the academic and industry exchanges on bringing the region’s richness to wider audiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the main subject of the meet?

A discussion of AI and digital technology in tourism was organised for academics, government representatives and industry professionals, with attention given to destination promotion, heritage conservation, storytelling and personalised travel experiences.

How was local culture represented?

Folk dances, traditional clothing and an exhibition of calico print and bamboo products were included. The cultural programme was presented alongside discussions of how Jammu’s heritage could be shared through digital platforms, while the human element was kept central to the approach advocated by speakers. Students were also given an opportunity to interact with the panel.

Closing Updates

At the Central University of Jammu, the role of technology was considered with attention to travellers and the cultural identity of destinations. AI in tourism was discussed as a means of supporting personalisation, promotion and more sustainable approaches, with human involvement repeatedly emphasised.

The value of local cultural stories was highlighted alongside digital tools, while community traditions were represented through performances and craft displays. The meeting was concluded with the felicitation of guests and a vote of thanks. Across the programme, a shared emphasis was placed on using technology to communicate Jammu’s tourism potential and cultural richness to wider audiences.