Iran proposes the establishment of an AI-driven Tourism Innovation Network at the UNWTO General Assembly in Riyadh, positioning technology as a human-centered tool to advance sustainable and smart tourism worldwide.
Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri, has called for the establishment of an international tourism innovation network based on artificial intelligence among member states of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). He described the initiative as a strategic step toward sustainable tourism development, stronger international cooperation, and an enhanced global visitor experience.
Speaking at the 26th UNWTO General Assembly in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Salehi Amiri expressed his appreciation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its generous hospitality and effective organization of the event, and commended the constructive role of regional countries in expanding tourism cooperation.
He congratulated Sheikha Nasser Al Nuwais on her election as the new UNWTO Secretary-General, emphasizing that the Islamic Republic of Iran supports this choice and is ready for constructive collaboration to advance the global tourism sector. He also praised the achievements of outgoing Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili during his tenure.
Highlighting Iran’s deep historical and cultural legacy in promoting human values and mutual respect, Salehi Amiri recalled the presentation of the Cyrus Cylinder at the Samarkand Summit as an enduring symbol of humanity, freedom, and respect. He stressed that such principles should inspire global tourism ethics and help strengthen respectful relations among nations.
On the technological front, the minister noted that Iran has taken significant steps toward integrating artificial intelligence into its tourism industry. He pointed to dozens of knowledge-based companies and hundreds of startups active in smart booking systems, trip design, tourist behavior analytics, and digital tourism content production, supported by universities and science and technology parks.
Salehi Amiri underlined that “the soul of tourism is the human being,” insisting that AI must remain a tool that empowers human wisdom and creativity, not a substitute for them. In this context, he proposed the creation of an AI-based Tourism Innovation Network among UNWTO member states, designed as a shared platform for exchanging data, expertise, and technological solutions to support sustainable development, cultural preservation, and higher-quality tourism services worldwide.
He concluded by affirming that the Islamic Republic of Iran, backed by its young, innovative and knowledge-based workforce, looks toward a smart, human-centered and sustainable tourism future built on partnership, mutual respect, and shared learning among nations.
