How Hi-Tech can transform tourism

The development of technologies like artificial intelligence and 5G will transform the tourism industry and help the sector grow, according to a green book released on Wednesday.

Jointly released by the National Academy of Economic Strategy, the Tourism Research Center at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and the Social Sciences Academic Press, the green book focuses on national tourism development and its future prospects.

It says that technology has accelerated the transformation of a sector that has taken a heavy hit as a result of the epidemic.

Song Changyao of the Beijing International Studies University, and one of the book's authors, said in an online news conference that online travel activities and innovations including livestreaming from attractions, exhibitions and shows have emerged as it is currently not realistic for people to travel physically.

Song said that technology also opens up creative marketing tools and ideas for attracting more travelers through precise analysis of their travel preferences using big data.

In addition, the digital economy is helping the recovery and development of domestic tourism, said Song Sui, another of the book's authors and director of the Tourism Research Center at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

She said that applying digital technologies to the operation of attractions and providing more elderly friendly services to older travelers are among the best recent innovations in tour packages, services and travel experiences.