Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Tourism: An Integrated Model for Impact Assessment

In recent years, among the various potential applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI), its ability to serve as a useful tool for data implementation and analysis in various monitoring and impact assessment processes has become increasingly evident. This paper presents an example of AI being used as an integration and support tool for impact assessment in the context of sustainable tourism. In 2023, it is estimated that there were 1.286 billion international tourists worldwide. Specifically, Europe was the most visited region, largely due to domestic demand and travel from the United States. In 2013, the European Commission launched the European Tourism Indicator System (ETIS), consisting of a set of indicators designed to assess tourism sustainability, support destinations, and monitor and measure their performance. This research aims to define an evaluation model that considers these indicators through a weighted system. To determine the specific weight of each indicator and assess the usefulness of AI systems, the paper presents the results of a study aimed at identifying discrepancies and convergences in output data obtained in two ways:Using a traditional model, (stakeholders’ consultation).Through AI-based interrogation. Using a traditional model, (stakeholders’ consultation). Through AI-based interrogation. In the proposed case study, a questionnaire will be used and administered to stakeholders in the sector as well as to major AI software systems. The input data will be carefully structured to enable AI to function as a knowledgeable expert in the tourism sector.