GYEONGJU/HOHANG, 13 May 2026, Korea – The Research Centre for Digital Transformation of Tourism (RCDTT), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University hosted a high-profile panel discussion at the PATA Annual Summit 2026, drawing a packed and diverse audience of industry leaders, academics, and students. Titled “AI and the Future of Tourism: From Insights to Impacts,” the session offered a deep dive into how artificial intelligence is reshaping the travel industry and research.
Chaired by Professor Haiyan Song, Director of RCDTT, Associate Dean (Research) and Chair Professor of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management, and Mr and Mrs Chan Chak Fu Professor in International Tourism. The panel brought together a formidable cross-section of expertise. The distinguished panel members included Prof. Dan Wang (Associate Director of RCDTT), Prof. Bela Stantic (SHTM, PolyU), Dr. Yuzhou Huang (Founder & CEO of WDTrip), Mr. Bernard Metzger (Founder & CEO of TravelIndex), and Ms. Nadia Omer (CEO of AirAsia MOVE).
Over the course of the insightful session, the panel explored four critical themes shaping the future of the industry:
1. AI and Its Impact on Business Operations.
The panelists unanimously agreed that AI has moved beyond a novelty to an operational necessity. Ms. Omer shared how AirAsia MOVE utilizes AI for dynamic pricing and route optimization, while Mr. Metzger highlighted AI's role in streamlining back-end logistics for TravelIndex. Prof. Stantic warned, however, that companies must balance automation with human oversight to avoid systemic errors.
2. Personalization of AI-Driven Travel Experiences.
Prof. Dan Wang presented RCdTT’s research findings on how AI algorithms can now predict traveler preferences with startling accuracy, moving from basic recommendations to hyper-personalized, real-time journey adjustments. Dr. Huang demonstrated how WDTrip is leveraging agentic AI to craft bespoke itineraries that evolve during the trip itself, turning “one-size-fits-all” into a relic of the past.
3. Bridging the Gap Between Academics and Practice
A recurring theme was the pressing need to close the divide between theoretical research and real-world application. Professor Stantic noted that RCDTT is actively working to translate academic models into actionable tools for travel business and destinations. The panel called for more industry-academia co-creation labs to ensure that cutting-edge research does not remain confined to journals.
4. The Future of AI in Tourism.
Looking ahead, the discussion turned to ethical considerations, data privacy, and the potential for AI to drive sustainable tourism. While AI can optimize visitor flows to combat overtourism, speakers cautioned against algorithmic bias. The consensus was that the future will not be AI-led, but human-centric AI-assisted, where technology enhances, rather than replaces, the human touch.
The session concluded with a lively Q&A, during which industry practitioners pressed the panel on practical implementation strategies. Professor Haiyan Song closed by thanking the speakers and the audience, reaffirming RCDTT’s commitment to leading evidence-based dialogue on digital transformation.
| Topics | Research |
|---|---|
| Research Units | Research Centre for Digital Transformation of Tourism |
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