Regenerative Tourism Hack

Mini Hackathon: reimagining artificial intelligence for a thriving, inclusive visitor economy.

As tourism continues to surge across European cities, Amsterdam has become one of the most visible examples of the strain. With more than 20 million overnight stays in 2024 and projections nearing 30 million by 2027, the city has been dealing with overcrowded streets and TikTok ‘must-see’ queues, a changing city landscape and housing pressure. All leading to growing frustration among residents. At the same time, AI is reshaping the tourism industry at a high pace. From chatbots and automated services to crowd-management tools and targeted marketing. AI promises efficiency, yet it also raises urgent questions about the use of resources, inequality, data protection, and the kinds of social systems we are building. This Mini-Hackathon invites participants to explore a bold question: What would it take to make AI truly regenerative – or to imagine alternatives when it cannot be? Rather than accepting AI as an inevitable force, we challenge you to critically examine its risks and possibilities for Amsterdam’s visitor economy. Can AI help strengthen local communities, support fair governance, and reduce tourism’s ecological footprint? Or do we need new ‘post-AI’ models that centre human connection, creativity, and democratic values?

Together with Jimena Diamint Researcher in Urban Tourism at Inholland University of Applied Sciences

Please note: This event does NOT take place at Pakhuis de Zwijger but at Inholland University of Applied Sciences at Pina Bauschplein 4, 1095 PN Amsterdam.

In this fast-paced design session, you and your team will dive into three key lenses – Regenerative Tourism, Measuring Impact, and Governance – guided by experts from academia and practice. Together, you will uncover opportunities, rethink assumptions and prototype imaginative tools, systems, policies, or narratives for a more equitable and ecologically grounded tourism future.
Join us through this link to reimagine technology’s role in a city under pressure and to help shape a visitor economy where wellbeing, resilience and regeneration come first!

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Timeline of the Regenerative Tourism Hack (approx. 2h10-2h25 total) 1. Welcome & Kickoff

Warm-up activity, introduction and short expert inputs.

2. Group formation

Participants split into mixed teams.

3. Ideation sprint

Teams explore opportunities and challenges around AI in tourism.

4. Prototyping session

Groups turn ideas into concrete concepts, tools, or experiences. Pitch preparation included.

5. Group pitches

Each team presents their concept to peers and jury. Quick coffee break while the jury deliberates.

6. Collective reflection

Open discussion on regenerative AI futures in tourism.