In a keynote address to the UN Tourism, Dr Ian Yeoman explored the future of tourism through the lens of uncertainty and AI, particularly artificial intelligence. Yeoman frames uncertainty as a state of limited knowledge where outcomes cannot be predicted with certainty, but scenarios allow us to imagine multiple possible futures. Drawing upon the research of Futurist James Dator, Yeoman stresses that useful ideas about the future often appear “ridiculous” at first, underscoring the need for skepticism and creativity in futures work.
Tourism’s future is mapped against several uncertainties: globalization (nationalism vs. integration), global power shifts (multipolar geopolitics and technological nexuses), affluence and inequality, demographic decline and labor substitution, climate change and resource scarcity, transport and mobility, and evolving human behavior. AI is presented as both narrow reasoning (chatbots, facial recognition, AR guides, sensors) and super intelligence also know as technological singularity which is a point where self‑improving machines accelerate innovation beyond human comprehension.
Drawing upon his latest book, The Future of Hotels: Creating What’s Next – Yeoman Illustrated a timeline of change highlighting AI’s transformative role: predictive waste models in hotels (2027), robot chefs earning Michelin stars (2034), autonomous cities (2040), humanoid robots in hospitality (2042), and large‑scale deployment of humanoid robots by firms like Figure AI. Current applications already enhance operational efficiency, data‑driven decision making, guest interaction, and crisis monitoring.
Yeoman concludes with critical questions: Can AI replicate empathy? What are the ethical implications of the “last human hotel manager”? How do we balance efficiency with inclusivity and accountability? Ultimately, while technology may reshape tourism, constants of humanity and service remain central to hospitality’s future.
You can watch Prof. Ian Yeoman keynote here