The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has focused on building a sustainable events sector from the ground up, with initiatives such as sector-specific sustainability guidelines, a carbon calculator to estimate the carbon footprint of hotels in Abu Dhabi, and an energy audit for all hotels in the emirate.
Now, the tourism marketing authority hopes to use AI to enhance sustainable outcomes while improving education and collaboration across the hospitality and events sector.
Mubarak Al Shamisi, Director of the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau (ADCEB), spoke to TTN recently.
How is the ADCEB addressing sustainability in the MICE sector? What role does AI play here?
In line with Abu Dhabi’s vision to continue to grow as a leading sustainable tourism destination, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) is implementing innovative new initiatives to promote sustainability within the tourism industry and enable partners to apply sustainable practices. These include new sector-specific sustainability guidelines, a carbon calculator to estimate the carbon footprint of hotels in Abu Dhabi, and an energy audit for all hotels in the emirate.
How do you see the impact of AI transforming the MICE industry? How are you working with event organisers to adopt AI tools?
Technology innovation is at the heart of delivering a successful event, right from planning to execution to monitoring an event’s impact. We see specific benefits in its ability to recommend the most appropriate content to our audiences.
AI enables event planners to make decisions based on data, enhance the efficient use of resources, and integrate environmentally friendly practices across the entire event process”
– Mubarak Al Shamisi
Prioritising education on the secure application of AI and enhancing readiness for the widespread adoption of this technology in various industries is a key focus for us. The MICE ecosystem requires heightened awareness and thorough preparation to effectively navigate the ‘disruption’ and successfully utilise diverse technological tools to achieve desired outcomes for events and participants. We share pertinent courses and webinars with MICE stakeholders, allowing them to learn at their own pace.
How will AI and sustainability work together?
From our perspective, AI can enhance the precision of forecasting resource needs. This includes recommending environmentally sustainable practices and suppliers, aligning with the increasing focus on organizing eco-friendly events.
AI enables event planners to make decisions based on data, enhance the efficient use of resources, and integrate environmentally friendly practices across the entire event process. This leads to a decreased environmental footprint and the creation of more sustainable events. As an entity we continue to showcase our strong dedication to bring about positive transformation across the sector. Notably, substantial progress has been achieved, especially in integrating sustainability into the tourism sector, a pivotal factor for Abu Dhabi’s economic prosperity and the improvement of the overall well-being for residents and tourists alike.
What other virtual technologies are you incorporating?
At present, ADCEB discusses the adoption of hosting virtual technologies exclusively at the Abu Dhabi Business Events Forum and the Destination Wedding Show.
However, we want to encourage innovation and strategic adoption on a wider scale, we share information about pertinent courses and webinars with MICE stakeholders, allowing them to engage in learning at their convenience.