H.E. Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais Engages with French Tourism Tech Firms to Champion Innovation and Sustainability

Tourism

H.E. Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais Engages with French Tourism Tech Firms to Champion Innovation and Sustainability

Her Excellency Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, Secretary-General elect of the United Nations Tourism for the 2026–2029 term, held a series of high-level meetings with representatives of leading French travel and tourism technology companies. These discussions were centered on promoting innovation, digital integration, and sustainable practices across the global tourism sector.

Held on the sidelines of VivaTech 2025 in Paris—a major global tech event themed “The New Frontiers of Innovation”—the meetings underscored the increasing importance of digital transformation in tourism. Participants highlighted how emerging technologies are essential in enhancing service delivery, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring the industry’s resilience amid rapid technological changes.

Her Excellency emphasized that technology plays a central role in her strategic vision for developing a sustainable and responsible tourism sector. “Technology is a key pillar in my vision to develop a sustainable and responsible tourism sector both regionally and globally, given its vital role in creating innovative tourism models based on global best practices,” H.E. stated. She also pointed out that digital advancements contribute significantly to improving quality of life, protecting individual privacy, and delivering exceptional experiences to tourists worldwide.

H.E. Al Nowais advocated for increased private sector investment in digital solutions that support tourism sustainability. She stressed the need for an integrated digital infrastructure to enhance operational capacities and deliver smart tourism experiences.

Additionally, Her Excellency called for closer collaboration between UN Tourism and private sector stakeholders. She noted that strategic partnerships are essential to driving forward initiatives that facilitate cross-border mobility, communication, and development of tourist destinations—especially in the context of climate change and shifting global travel patterns.

These engagements reflect H.E. Al Nowais’s commitment to proactive dialogue and partnership-building with industry innovators as she prepares to assume her new role as Secretary-General of UN Tourism in early 2026.