The Tribune

By KEILE CAMPBELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

ARTIFICIAL intelligence dominated the conversation at the Bahamas Hotel & Tourism Association’s 73rd Annual General Meeting, emerging as the through-line in presentations ranging from visitor engagement to workforce training — and placing the Ministry of Tourism’s new AI-powered trip-planning tool at the centre of the industry’s next phase.

Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation Director General Latia Duncombe showcased the system during her presentation, saying it was designed to keep tourism partners connected and provide visitors with real-time, accurate information while building itineraries. She said the platform “gives you everything,” including flight options, flight times and connectivity.

“When we speak about The Bahamas as a destination, the experience, we have to stay connected to ensure directions are there, experiences are there, the updated contact information, so that our visitors start to curate their itineraries, everything is done,” she said. “What is beautiful about it, everyone has been integrated with ChatGPT. That’s how easy it is to speak to it.”

Ms Duncombe said the success of the ministry’s digital tools depends on real-time accuracy, adding that updated maps, images and partner information become essential as travellers begin shaping their trips. She linked the AI planner to the government’s Google Street View project, which captured images across all 16 islands to help travellers “can actually see the destination” when researching.

She also highlighted the ministry’s recently launched learning management system as another example of artificial intelligence supporting tourism development. She said the platform is built for self-paced instruction and is “powered by artificial intelligence,” allowing training to reach more hospitality workers across the islands.

Earlier in the meeting, Bahamas Out Islands Promotion Board executive director Kerry Fountain said travellers themselves are turning to AI as their primary research tool. “How are they now doing their research? It used to be search, and now it’s moving towards AI,” he said.

He argued that recommendations generated by AI are increasingly shaped by real-world conditions such as available airlift and credited the ministry’s trip planner for its precision. “You can plan your vacation using AI. I did it, and I was amazed at how accurate the information that was provided to me. It was right on point.”

Mr Fountain told attendees he tested the system by asking whether he should visit Andros or Exuma, stressing his interest in scuba diving and fly fishing. When he added that he would be travelling from Atlanta and needed a non-stop flight, he said the platform recommended Exuma. “It said you need to choose Exuma, because Delta Airlines has a non-stop flight from Atlanta. I was amazed,” he said, urging the industry to “get with it” as technology reshapes tourism.

Referencing a news report about AI potentially replacing workers, Mr Fountain said he asked the system directly: “Will AI replace us? Will AI replace me, or Joy, or Jackson, or Suzanna?” He told the audience the tool replied that “if I don’t start using AI, I will be replaced by somebody who’s using AI.”

Technology extended beyond AI in this year’s keynote address. Prime Minister Philip Davis used his remarks to highlight the government’s broader digital infrastructure push, pointing to the Smart City pilot in downtown Nassau. He said the initiative — developed with Aliv and Cable Bahamas — is transforming the cruise port corridor into a connected zone, with free public Wi-Fi from Prince George Wharf to Arawak Cay enabling small businesses to engage visitors in real time.

Mr Davis said digital immigration cards, the Sand Dollar system and the national mobile app are now embedded in the travel process, reducing paperwork and streamlining arrivals. He framed the transition as central to the country’s competitiveness.

“A modern industry also needs modern tools,” the prime minister said. “If we want to be seen as a leader in tourism, we have to behave like one every day.”