Project aims to boost AI across tourism sector in South West

A project has been launched to help the tourism industry benefit from advances in artificial intelligence (AI).

The University of Plymouth said the £275,000 project would allow students and graduates to work with people in tourism on a "range of exciting initiatives".

Rong Huang, programme lead in tourism and hospitality at Plymouth Business School, said: "This project brings our students, our industry partners and regional employers together so that learning happens on live business challenges."

Claire Steiner, from the Institute of Travel and Tourism, added: "AI is changing how we work in travel and tourism, and we need to make sure people have the skills and confidence to use it well."

Steiner said the project would bring employers' views and experience into what was taught at the university to help create practical learning opportunities.

"We'll also share what we learn across the UK, helping both current and future tourism professionals use AI responsibly and effectively," she said.

The university said the South West Visitor Economy AI Skills Accelerator was part of a collaboration between the university, the Institute of Travel and Tourism, Destination Plymouth, Women in Travel CIC, Building Brands and Brand Biscuit.

The university asked any tourism, hospitality and marketing businesses interested in hosting a traineeship or internship, or proposing an AI challenge, to get in contact.

It said graduates and working professionals interested in developing their AI skills were invited to register their interest with the university.

Dave Briggs, founder of Building Brands, said: "For us, it's about making AI more accessible, practical and genuinely valuable to businesses across the South West."

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