India showcases its leadership in AI and Sustainability at the inaugural BRICS Tourism Meeting under its chairmanship. India's chairship of the BRICS grouping this year has highlighted the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainability in the future of global tourism in the first-ever BRICS Tourism Working Group meeting in these roles. The event was attended by tourism officials and industry stakeholders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS), to share ideas for the development of resilient and responsible tourism. 

During the meeting, India shared a vision to integrate AI based solutions in the tourism policy and operations to improve travellers' experience, to foster sustainable tourism and to strengthen the economic recovery from the impact of the pandemic. Indian delegates discussed the potential of leveraging AI technology to investigate vast amounts of data on tourist trends, monitor the efficient allocation of amenities, enhance safety and accessibility, and foresee and prepare for seasonal demands in infrastructure and operations. 

Dialogue with international partners on sustainable tourism was also highlighted, which supports both the economic, environmental and social values of tourism. India called on the countries of the BRICS group to take a concerted step towards implementing a low-carbon tourism program together, launch responsible tourism, and integrate conservation measures into tourism planning programs. 

Brainstorming sessions focused on how to use digital tools to boost local businesses, boost local culture and local tourism models that more equitably share economic benefits. The team of Indian scholars presented various instances where AI systems have been utilised to manage heritage sites, predict crowd numbers as well as smart systems for reducing environmental problems like waste at popular destinations. 

All agreed there is a need to approve the development of multi-lateral cooperation encouraging technology sharing, the increase of the capabilities and sustainable infrastructure investments. The proposal also emphasised the potential for a BRICS Tourism portal leveraging AI to enhance the availability of information, to assist in the planning of tourists' travel across borders and to assist in policy-making through data-based analysis. 

Participants also agreed to work together to strengthen the synergies between innovation and sustainability, featuring tourism as a cornerstone of inclusive growth and a more climate-resilient development.