Under the scientific leadership of Markus Eitle and Claudia Bauer-Krösbacher, IMC Krems University of Applied Sciences is taking the lead in the FFG-funded project “AI Tour: Application of Artificial Intelligence in Tourism”. The aim of the project is to sustainably strengthen the competitiveness of the Austrian tourism industry by utilising existing AI infrastructures in practical teaching modules.
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FFG project for AI qualification in tourism
Innovative approaches to promote competitiveness
As part of the project, a qualification network is created that will provide hotel and catering professionals with the necessary skills to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into everyday business far beyond common applications such as ChatGPT. An interdisciplinary team from IMC Krems, consisting of Markus Eitle, Claudia Bauer-Krösbacher, Stephanie Tischler, Albert Stöckl and 4 other IMC lecturers, is working with Gerhard Reisinger from Gastrosterne to develop 4 specialised AI training modules for employees from a total of 6 Austrian hotel and catering companies.
Partnership between science and practice
The FFG-funded project combines science and practice in a strong partnership. In addition to IMC Krems, which is coordinating the project with its expertise in tourism and management, several renowned companies are involved. This collaboration makes it possible to develop practical content and integrate it directly into day-to-day operations.
Practical training modules for companies
In 4 practice-orientated modules, the participating companies receive innovative solutions for the use of artificial intelligence in the areas of HR management, marketing and customer acquisition, sustainable business and experience design. “The tourism industry is facing major challenges such as a shortage of skilled workers, digitalisation and sustainability. With the innovative ‘AI Tour’ project, we want to help businesses to successfully overcome these challenges through the targeted use of artificial intelligence,” explains Markus Eitle, Scientific Director of the project.
The training programme, which will be carried out across Austria from Vorarlberg to Vienna, addresses 6 selected hotel and catering companies. In addition to imparting knowledge, the project promotes exchange between the companies and enables participants to implement innovative approaches directly in their operations. The first of the 4 modules will begin in spring 2025.