Saudi Arabia’s tourism technology authority TOURISE and global digital innovator Globant have unveiled a groundbreaking white paper that positions the Kingdom at the forefront of AI-driven tourism transformation. The report, titled ‘Tourism’s AI Takeover: Reinventing Travel through Agentic Tourism,’ introduces a revolutionary framework for integrating artificial intelligence into the tourism sector, setting new global standards for destination innovation.
Pioneering the Future of Tourism
Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, who also chairs TOURISE’s board, emphasized the transformative potential of Agentic Tourism, describing it as ‘not just a model, but a movement’ that will democratize tourism innovation across both established and emerging destinations. The white paper’s release comes ahead of the inaugural TOURISE Summit in Riyadh, scheduled for November 11-13, 2025, further cementing Saudi Arabia’s position as a leader in tourism technology.
The comprehensive framework outlined in the report identifies five crucial dimensions where AI can revolutionize tourism: experience, operations, sustainability, well-being, and economic opportunity. This holistic approach aligns perfectly with Saudi Arabia’s vision for developing a sustainable and technologically advanced tourism sector.
Revolutionary AI Agent System
At the heart of the Agentic Tourism model are five specialized AI agent archetypes, each designed to address specific aspects of the tourism ecosystem. The Experience Maximizer provides real-time itinerary optimization, while the Operations Optimizer enhances service efficiency. The Regeneration Guardian focuses on promoting sustainable travel practices, complemented by the Wellness Agent’s role in ensuring traveler well-being and the Opportunity Connector’s function in stimulating local economic engagement.
Globant CEO Martin Migoya highlighted the importance of human-centered technology implementation, stating that successful tourism innovation must orchestrate technology around people rather than the reverse.
Economic Impact and Market Potential
The report reveals significant market opportunities, with tourism contributing $10.9 trillion to global GDP in 2024 and projected to reach $16.5 trillion by 2035. The AI tourism market specifically is expected to grow from $3.4 billion in 2024 to $13.9 billion by 2030, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated AI adoption in the sector.
Vision 2030 Alignment
This initiative strongly aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives for tourism sector development and technological advancement. By leading the conversation on AI-driven tourism innovation, Saudi Arabia demonstrates its commitment to transforming its tourism sector while contributing to global industry standards. The TOURISE Summit in Riyadh will serve as a platform for further developing these concepts, reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a pioneer in smart tourism solutions and sustainable development.