RIYADH: The Ministry of Tourism has unveiled the AI Tourism Vision, a new strategic initiative aimed at advancing the tourism sector through artificial intelligence and digital transformation. The initiative seeks to enhance visitor experiences, improve operational efficiency, support investors and industry professionals, and reinforce Saudi Arabia’s position as a global leader in tourism innovation.

The initiative is part of the Kingdom’s broader strategy to adopt advanced technologies that promote economic growth and strengthen the competitiveness of key industries. It also aligns with the Riyadh Declaration on the Future of Tourism, adopted during the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly, which called for faster adoption of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, to transform the global tourism industry.

The AI Tourism Vision establishes a comprehensive framework for creating a smarter, more efficient, and sustainable tourism ecosystem. It focuses on integrating AI throughout the visitor journey, supporting tourism businesses and investors, and equipping Saudi talent with advanced digital tools to improve service quality and generate greater economic value.

As part of the initiative, the ministry introduced TourismX, a global platform dedicated to artificial intelligence in tourism. Designed as a digital infrastructure for the future of the sector, TourismX reflects the ministry’s vision that AI will play a central role in shaping tourism destinations, visitor experiences, business operations, and service delivery.

The beta version of TourismX features several AI-powered solutions for tourism professionals, including the Hotel Interior AI Designer, MenuCraft AI, AI Identity Designer, AI Hotel SOP Generator, Tour Guide AI Assistant, and AI Tour Script Generator, along with additional tools aimed at improving operational efficiency and accelerating business processes.

Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb said artificial intelligence is transforming how destinations are discovered, tourism experiences are created, and services are managed, making it a key driver of the sector’s future. He added that the AI Tourism Vision is designed to build a more innovative, efficient, and sustainable tourism industry while enhancing visitor experiences, supporting investors, and increasing productivity across the sector. He also reaffirmed the Kingdom’s ambition to become a global benchmark for smart tourism through the effective use of advanced technologies.

The ministry also announced the beta launch of the Saudi MT App, an AI-powered platform that brings together ministry services for investors, tourism businesses, tour guides, and other beneficiaries. The application provides access to a range of digital services through its AI assistant, Noura.

To encourage further innovation, the ministry launched the MT Developer Portal, a unified environment for APIs and digital integration that enables developers and technology partners to create scalable digital solutions supporting Saudi Arabia’s growing tourism ecosystem.

The AI Tourism Vision also builds on several digital initiatives already introduced by the ministry, including the Smart Inspector, which supported field inspection teams during the Hajj 2026 season, and the Smart Check-In system, which improved the efficiency of pilgrim reception and accommodation processes.

According to the ministry, these initiatives form part of an integrated digital ecosystem that connects tourism platforms and services, delivering a smoother experience for beneficiaries while strengthening the sector’s readiness to adapt to rapidly evolving technologies.

The launch coincides with the Year of AI 2026, designated by the Council of Ministers under the leadership of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. It highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a global center for data and artificial intelligence while reflecting the leadership’s commitment to using advanced technologies to support national development.

The ministry said the AI Tourism Vision also advances the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which identifies tourism as a key driver of economic diversification, job creation, and the Kingdom’s emergence as a leading global tourism destination.