Cape Town Tourism has officially unveiled the Cape Town AI in Tourism Hub—a groundbreaking initiative aimed at establishing the city as a global leader in the responsible, inclusive, and innovative use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the tourism sector.
This pioneering hub brings together a diverse network of experts from the fields of AI, technology, academia, and tourism to explore how cutting-edge solutions can enhance the visitor experience while addressing real-world challenges in the industry.
A Bold Vision for Smarter Tourism
“Cape Town has always been a city of innovation and opportunity,” said Enver Duminy, CEO of Cape Town Tourism. “This hub ensures AI works for us—advancing tourism, enhancing efficiency, and creating richer experiences for every visitor.”
The Cape Town AI in Tourism Hub will serve as a collaborative platform focused on:
Developing practical AI solutions to tackle tourism challenges
Co-creating strategic use cases in areas such as marketing, safety, sustainability, and operational efficiency
Promoting ethical AI aligned with the values of Cape Town’s visitor economy
Sharing and localising global best practices for meaningful impact
City-Wide Commitment to Digital Transformation
According to Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, the initiative is part of Cape Town’s broader push toward digital advancement.
“Technology and innovation are critical to the future of tourism,” Vos said. “The AI in Tourism Hub marks a major step in ensuring our city adopts digital transformation in a way that benefits both our visitors and our communities. This partnership puts Cape Town at the cutting edge of AI-led tourism innovation—not just in South Africa, but globally.”
Meet the Founding Members
The initiative is backed by a multidisciplinary team of leaders across public and private sectors:
Enver Duminy – CEO, Cape Town Tourism
Rhoda Davids – Head of Digital Marketing, Cape Town Tourism
Sulaiman Fredericks – Tech and Digital Transformation Manager, Cape Town Tourism
Aslam Levy – e-Government Lead, Western Cape Government
Jarrod Cross – Head of Marketing, Grasp Digital
Kevin Silver – CEO, Macrocosm.London & Macrocosm Ultra Digital
Sipho Mtombeni – Government Affairs & Public Policy Manager, Google South Africa
Simone Zanetti – Founder, Zanetti AI Institute
Each founding member brings unique expertise to the table, from AI policy and cybersecurity to brand discoverability and ethical digital transformation.
A Timely Collaboration for the Industry
Sipho Mtombeni of Google South Africa views the initiative as both timely and transformative.
“Cape Town’s AI in Tourism Hub is a game-changer. This public-private partnership will unlock the power of AI to strengthen the local tourism economy while setting a global benchmark for responsible and inclusive AI use,” he said. “Together, we can develop policies that guide AI’s ethical implementation, ensuring sustainable growth and unforgettable travel experiences.”
How the Hub Will Function
The hub will operate through a structured engagement framework, including:
Quarterly sessions for knowledge exchange
Working groups focused on key thematic areas
Research opportunities and joint publications
Resource toolkits and centralised support provided by Cape Town Tourism
The initiative will also serve as a think tank, producing thought leadership content and guiding the development of forward-thinking strategies for the sector.
A Future-Ready Cape Town
“This is a milestone not only for Cape Town Tourism but for the entire city,” Duminy concluded. “Tourism is evolving rapidly, and AI gives us the tools to stay ahead. With this hub, we’re not just responding to change—we’re shaping it. We want Cape Town to set the global standard for how AI can be used ethically and effectively in tourism.”
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