- In January 2025, UNESCO launched its Global Digital Heritage Initiative, aimed at digitally preserving endangered cultural sites using AI-powered 3D mapping and virtual reality technology. This initiative enables travellers and researchers to explore historical landmarks remotely while supporting global conservation efforts
- In October 2024, the European Commission introduced the "Smart Heritage Tourism Strategy," which integrates AI-driven tourism management, digital ticketing, and augmented reality experiences to enhance visitor engagement at cultural sites. This initiative seeks to boost tourism while ensuring sustainable preservation of heritage landmarks
- In September 2024, China announced its "Cultural Tourism Growth Plan 2030," which includes investments in smart tourism infrastructure, heritage site restoration, and AI-powered language translation services for international tourists. The plan aims to position China as a leading cultural tourism hub by leveraging digital innovations
- In September 2024, the Middle East Tourism Council launched the "Historic Arabia Experience," an immersive tourism initiative featuring augmented reality tours of ancient sites, interactive storytelling, and AI-curated travel itineraries. The project focuses on attracting global travellers while preserving and showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage
- In August 2024, the United States National Park Service (NPS) partnered with Google Arts & Culture to launch an interactive virtual tour platform, allowing users to explore historical landmarks, indigenous heritage sites, and museums through high-resolution imagery, 360-degree videos, and AI-powered guided experiences. This initiative aims to expand access to cultural tourism and promote heritage education globally
