Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
International British Congress on Interdisciplinary Scientific Research & Practices-IV, London, İngiltere, 19 - 21 Eylül 2025, cilt.1, sa.1, ss.556-567, (Tam Metin Bildiri)
The accelerating
global ageing trend and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI)
are reshaping the tourism landscape. By 2050, the number of people aged 60 and
above is projected to exceed two billion, creating a pressing need for
inclusive, accessible, and sustainable travel experiences. This paper explores
how AI can be leveraged to enhance age-friendly tourism by addressing the
complex requirements of older travellers. Drawing on recent literature, the
study analyses how AI technologies -including machine learning, natural
language processing, and internet of things (IoT) applications- can improve
accessibility, personalisation, and safety across tourism services. Within the
framework of smart destinations, AI-powered solutions offer potential benefits
in areas such as transportation, accommodation, health support, and cultural
participation. For example, AI-based personalised travel assistants,
accessibility-driven design, and predictive health monitoring can create safer
and more comfortable experiences for older travellers. Nevertheless, several
challenges remain, including digital literacy barriers, the ethical and
transparent use of AI, data privacy concerns, and regulatory shortcomings. Moreover,
the risk of excluding less tech-savvy older people highlights the need for
user-friendly interfaces and targeted education initiatives. The study argues
that cross-sector collaboration among governments, industry, and academia is
essential for developing practical and sustainable AI-driven solutions. The
paper concludes that AI-powered smart destinations can significantly enhance
age-friendly tourism while also contributing to the broader goals of
sustainable urban development. By improving accessibility and inclusivity for
older generations, such innovations simultaneously create benefits for all
travellers. Future research should examine emerging technologies such as
AI-enabled health monitoring, immersive digital engagement platforms, and the role
of public–private partnerships in implementing ethical and equitable smart
tourism policies.
Keywords: Artificial intelligence (AI); smart destinations; age-friendly tourism; barriers, accessibility; sustainability.