Artificial intelligence as a catalyst for sustainable tourism growth and economic cycles

We investigate the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in promoting sustainable tourism growth and its implications for the next technological and economic cycle. Focusing on the top ten global tourist destinations from 2010 to 2022, we investigate the interplay between AI adoption, gross domestic product (GDP), foreign direct investment (FDI), inflation (INF), and urbanization (UB). Utilizing a multi-method approach that integrates artificial neural network (ANN) analysis with traditional econometric models, the findings highlight that AI is a critical driver of tourism efficiency and smart tourism capabilities, significantly enhancing tourism sustainability. The study reveals substantial contributions from GDP, INF, FDI, and UB as well. AI's role as a pivotal technological catalyst in sustainable tourism development underscores its importance in shaping the next economic cycle. These insights provide essential guidance for policymakers and industry stakeholders on leveraging AI to propel tourism growth, aligning with broader goals of economic and environmental sustainability. • AI significantly enhances tourism efficiency and sustainability in top global destinations from 2010 to 2022. • Key economic factors like GDP, FDI, inflation, and urbanization also contribute to sustainable tourism growth. • AI is a pivotal catalyst in shaping the next technological and economic cycle for sustainable tourism development.