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Experts: AI Must Support, Not Replace, Human Judgment in Tourism
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News18•29-09-2026, 12:15
Experts: AI Must Support, Not Replace, Human Judgment in Tourism
- •Experts at a national symposium in Shillong emphasized that AI should be a tool for tourism planning and service delivery, not a replacement for human judgment, local knowledge, or cultural values.
- •Aiban Swer, Director of Meghalaya Institute of Governance, stated that AI-driven tourism policies must ensure technology supports decision-making while safeguarding culture, livelihoods, and data, with human oversight crucial for when technology fails.
- •Swer highlighted key areas for AI-driven tourism policies: technological innovation, smart decision-making, inclusivity, sustainability, and global branding, while also cautioning on ethical and security concerns.
- •Prof Desmond L Kharmawphlang stressed building systems that promote peace, sustainability, fairness, and tolerance, with culture playing a vital role in participatory decision-making and sustainable development.
- •Vikas Tembhare, Founder of DTORR, addressed the growing skill gap in tourism, advocating for multi-skilled professionals and stronger industry-academia collaboration to prepare for a technology-driven sector.
Key Questions Answered
Experts at a national symposium in Shillong stated that artificial intelligence should serve as a supporting tool for tourism planning and decision-making rather than replacing human judgement, local knowledge, and cultural values.
Aiban Swer suggested that Meghalaya’s Autonomous District Councils could play a significant role in regulating AI and technology to ensure that local communities and their cultural interests are protected.
Vikas Tembhare highlighted a growing skill gap and emphasized that tourism professionals must develop capabilities beyond technical skills, including multi-skilling in communication, teamwork, conflict handling, adaptability, and ethics.
