AI in service of the human experience, never as a replacement
At Genius Loci, we constantly explore the new possibilities offered by artificial intelligence. It is already built into several features, such as real-time translation or the “AI Moulinette” that turns raw academic documents into a first draft of tourism-oriented content.
AI also supports us daily in the design and prototyping of our innovations.
But a recent trend in tourism concerns us: replacing humans with AI.
Why?
– Because it is very fashionable.
– Because there is political pressure to back this kind of projects
– Because it seems simpler and faster than collaborating with real (human) experts.
As UX designers and lovers of immersive experiences, we have a strong conviction: nothing replaces the richness of human contact. No one travels to interact with impersonal artificial intelligences or to listen to generic, sanitised content.
On the contrary, visitors who take the time to discover a region are looking for:
– Authenticity – Local stories, told with passion.
– Humanity – Exchanges, encounters, emotions.
– Ethics – A respectful approach to local knowledge, cultures and stakeholders.
– A unique experience – One that could not exist anywhere else.
We deeply believe in technology. But for us, AI is an augmentation tool, not a substitute for humans.
It must enrich the experience without distorting its essence.
It is our Geniuses (Humans!) who make the value of our concept.
It is this vision that makes Genius Loci unique, and one we are committed to preserve.