Exploring Tourism, AI, and Soft Power for a Sustainable Future
Summary: The World Governments Summit in Dubai explored tourism, cultural diplomacy, and digital advancements. Experts highlighted AI-driven experiences, ethical technology, and Dubai’s leadership in innovation. Discussions emphasized cultural tourism, sports’ role in the economy, and entertainment’s impact on global identity. Dubai continues to drive soft power and sustainable development worldwide.
The World Governments Summit in Dubai featured panel discussions on tourism and cultural diplomacy, where experts and creatives discussed the role of entertainment, art, and sports in shaping national identity and enhancing soft power. The sessions also explored the impact of digital advancements on tourism and the role of governments in supporting it.
In the session "The Power of Cross-Border Creativity," cultural diplomacy was highlighted as a tool for fostering international cooperation. Artist and director Refik Anadol explained that artificial intelligence enables a fully immersive sensory experience through "Generative Reality," emphasizing the need for ethical and sustainable technology adoption—a vision that Dubai continues to lead.
David Stern, Chairman of Witan Group, praised Dubai as a global model for embracing modern technologies, recognizing its exceptional vision extending to digital art and cultural developments.
During a session on cultural tourism policies, Ayman Al Moayed, Secretary-General of Bahrain’s Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, emphasized that tourism is no longer just about hotel stays but encompasses an integrated experience that includes entertainment and smart technology. Nasser Al Khater, CEO of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, noted that major sporting events are now a crucial element of the tourism experience, requiring host nations to offer exceptional experiences to attract global audiences.
Julian Tanz, former CEO of Booking.com, highlighted the significant growth in the tourism sector, stating that global tourist numbers increased from 25 million in 1950 to 1.3 billion last year, with projections reaching 5.3 billion in the coming years. She noted that tourists increasingly seek authentic and sustainable experiences, urging governments to support suitable infrastructure.
In the session "The Role of Entertainment in Shaping National Media Identity," sports leaders discussed how major tournaments influence the economy and culture. Global competitions like the NBA and MLB have become more international with players from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, the impact of digital broadcasting was emphasized, allowing major sports clubs to reach worldwide audiences.
A session titled "How Creatives Can Lead the Future Economy?" explored the role of art and innovation in driving economic growth, with entertainment and music experts discussing how creativity contributes to global economic expansion.
These discussions underscore the role of culture and creativity in strengthening international relations, as arts and sports build bridges between nations, promoting peace and global understanding. Dubai plays a key role in this field, continuously supporting innovation and technology in cultural diplomacy, making it a global model for soft power and sustainable development.
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