NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya is turning to artificial intelligence and smart data to reposition itself as a global leader in the next phase of tourism, Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has said.
Speaking at the ongoing World Governments Summit in Dubai, Miano said technology has become central to building a resilient, inclusive and competitive tourism sector as global travel trends shift away from mass tourism toward more personalised and purpose-driven experiences.
She noted that artificial intelligence is already transforming how destinations understand and respond to traveller behaviour, with predictive analytics helping tourism players anticipate demand and intelligent platforms tailoring itineraries to individual visitor preferences.
“Technology is no longer optional in today’s travel ecosystem,” Miano said, adding that Kenya is leveraging AI and smart data to personalise visitor experiences while ensuring conservation-led tourism delivers tangible benefits to local communities.
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According to the Cabinet Secretary, smart data will also play a key role in strengthening conservation by enabling real-time monitoring of ecosystems, improving park management and supporting evidence-based decision-making — an approach she said aligns with Kenya’s long-standing commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental protection.
Miano made the remarks during a panel discussion at the Future of Tourism & Destination Global South forum, where she appeared alongside Lebanon’s Tourism Minister Laura Lahoud.
The discussion focused on how emerging economies can harness digital innovation to remain competitive in an increasingly tech-driven global tourism market.
She said Kenya is positioning itself at the forefront of a global shift toward low-carbon, community-centred tourism, arguing that the Global South is no longer a peripheral player in the industry.
“Mass tourism is giving way to purpose-driven travel, and Kenya is leading this charge,” she said.
On the sidelines of the summit, Miano held a bilateral meeting with the newly appointed UN Tourism Secretary-General, Shaikha Al Nowais, where they explored opportunities to deepen cooperation on sustainable tourism development.
She said Kenya is keen to work with UN Tourism and other international partners to upscale skills for the sector’s future workforce, attract new investments and expand collaboration across conservation, technology and innovation.
As destinations worldwide compete for digitally savvy travellers, Miano said Kenya is positioning itself as a hub of authenticity, sustainability and innovation in the evolving global tourism landscape.
