In 2025, artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the travel industry by enhancing sustainability and reducing environmental impacts. AI technologies are optimizing flight routes in real-time to minimize fuel consumption and emissions, addressing the fact that aviation accounts for over 50% of tourism’s greenhouse gas emissions. Initiatives like Project Contrails, a collaboration between Google and American Airlines, utilize predictive algorithms to avoid high-humidity airspace, thereby reducing heat-trapping contrails. On the ground, AI is improving airline maintenance efficiency and reducing delays, contributing to a more sustainable travel experience.
Beyond aviation, AI is making significant strides in the hospitality sector. Tools like Winnow are helping hotels cut food waste by analyzing kitchen practices, with Iberostar, for instance, saving over 1,100 tonnes of food in 2023. AI-driven systems are also optimizing hotel energy use by integrating environmental forecasts, leading to more efficient resource management. For travelers, AI enhances experiences by streamlining airport processes and providing personalized, sustainable travel recommendations, making eco-friendly choices more accessible and convenient.
The integration of AI in travel is supported by global initiatives such as the U.N. Tourism’s Global Artificial Intelligence Challenge, which encourages innovative startups to develop sustainable solutions. Efforts are also underway to ensure ethical AI use through training and guidelines, emphasizing the importance of responsible technology deployment. Experts highlight AI’s potential in democratizing tourism marketing for smaller operators and promoting eco-tourism, enabling both travelers and businesses to make more informed, sustainable choices.
