Reversing the threat of artificial intelligence to opportunity: a discussion of ChatGPT in tourism education

Abstract

ABSTRACT The role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the education sector has received considerable attention from scholars; however, its potency and application among tourism learners are yet to be discerned. Accordingly, this research note articulates the potential impact and limitations of the AI chatbot, ChatGPT, in tourism education practices. In particular, the paper aims to raise awareness among tourism educators regarding the disruptive potential of ChatGPT and its impact on academic integrity and ethics. This paper contributes to tourism education practices on AI and robotics by critically discussing ChatGPT from a cognitive science perspective and providing recommendations on how to minimise AI plagiarism in tourism education. This research argues for adapting novel pedagogies as technology evolves and raises the need for AI ethical use guidelines in tourism education.