From October 15 to 17, I had the pleasure of representing Tourisme Îles de la Madeleine at the twentieth edition of the e-Tourism Meetings in Pau, France. Between technological innovation and inspiring meetings, this trip was highly enriching.

Artificial Intelligence at the Service of Tourism

One of the highlights of these three days was undoubtedly the conferences dedicated to the integration of artificial intelligence in the tourism sector and the progress made over the past year, when the topic was addressed for the first time. Experts shared fascinating perspectives on how AI can transform the visitor experience, optimize resource management, and personalize tourism offers. I particularly appreciated the session on customized chatbots, capable of responding in real time to visitors' questions, thus making their stay more personalized and diverse, while ensuring uniformity of the company's brand image, without distorting the messages.

Discovery of Innovative Startups

Pau was also the scene of the discovery of numerous dynamic startups pushing the boundaries of new technologies applied to tourism. I had the opportunity to meet passionate entrepreneurs developing solutions to inform and engage people in a playful and interactive way, or to simplify the daily work of sector professionals. Among the innovations presented, some particularly stood out to me for their potential to integrate technology in a sustainable and responsible way, including one using arm bones to carry sound to the ears. Intriguing, isn't it?

Enriching Meetings within the Quebec Delegation

One of the most enriching aspects of this event was the exchanges with the Quebec delegation, composed of about thirty people; speakers and participants.

These meetings allowed us to build solid relationships, exchange ideas, and discuss potential collaborations.

It's always a pleasure to discover how our counterparts approach the challenges of e-tourism and artificial intelligence and to envision together innovative initiatives for our respective destinations.

An Unforgettable Experience

Participating for the first time in the e-Tourism Meetings in Pau was an experience that was both enriching and inspiring. I return with new ideas, valuable contacts, and increased motivation to continue promoting the Îles de la Madeleine while adapting to new trends.

Thank you to the organizers for this successful event and to all participants for these stimulating exchanges!

Photo credit: Maria Alberola

By Anne Bourgeois
Digital Marketing and Communication Advisor
Tourisme Îles de la Madeleine

* This text was partly drafted and translated with the assistance of artificial intelligence and has been reviewed and approved by a human team to ensure quality and relevance.