AI won’t replace human touch in tourism - Donovan White makes bold claim about travel sector jobs

Jamaica's Director of Tourism, Donovan White, has boldly stated that artificial intelligence (AI), despite its rapid rise, will never replace the irreplaceable human touch in the industry.

Speaking on day two of the Global Tourism Resilience Conference at the Princess Grand Hotel in Green Island, Hanover, yesterday, White declared, "The human element of travel is irreplaceable.

"Only humans can provide insights into particularities like the best time to visit a location for an excursion, who at the hotel mixes the best drinks, or offer the best rates through personal contacts."

He went on to challenge the growing belief that technology could supplant personal service, adding, "AI won't pick up those complexities and won't give you those deliberate responses. So, authenticity is still an important aspect in travel planning, in the travel planning process, and we don't see that disappearing any time soon."