During the Caribbean AI Conference at the University of the West Indies’ Five Islands Campus, Antigua and Barbuda’s Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez discussed the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the regional hospitality sector.

He acknowledged the potential benefits of AI in improving visitor experiences through seamless service delivery, particularly during peak tourist seasons.

However, he also expressed concerns about potential job losses as a result of increased AI integration.

Fernandez emphasized the need for dialogue with unions and government intervention to address the potential impact on employment.

He suggested that collaboration with the unions and providing incentives to hotel owners to retain local employees could help mitigate job losses. Additionally, he stressed the importance of preparing citizens for a future where AI is integrated into everyday life.

Dr. Luz Longsworth, Senior Corporate Director at Sandals Corporate University, emphasized that while AI is being embraced by the resort, the focus is on upskilling their existing workforce rather than replacing employees.

This approach aims to enhance customer engagement and the overall quality of service in the tourism industry.

Both Fernandez and Longsworth highlighted the need for collaboration and the establishment of universal standards for AI use in the hotel and tourism industry.

Fernandez expressed his appreciation for Sandals’ commitment to not cutting jobs due to AI, and he hopes other companies will adopt a similar approach.