The annual barcamp conference, #cczk23, has captivated me and sparked my interest in the use of AI in tourism. Over a year ago, the diverse and dynamic sessions at the Castle Camp Kaprun helped me recognize the rapid advancements in AI-driven technologies within tourism marketing; now it’s time for an update.
Are you already incorporating AI, or artificial intelligence, into your work or daily life? After listening to experts at Castle Camp Kaprun, it seems inevitable that we must engage with this topic. This drives my eagerness to “dive right in” and stay updated on the latest developments.
The pressing question remains: Will AI eventually replace human content creators in content marketing, storytelling, and blogging? What value do personal and/or corporate blogs hold in this AI age? Furthermore, how can we best leverage authenticity and personality in our work?
My friend Janett Schindler (www.Teilzeitreisender.de) and I frequently reflect on these questions, which even led us to moderate a session debate titled “Content without AI: What Will Remain (and for Whom)?”
Me traveling to #cczk24 Castle Camp Zell am See Kaprun with my best friend and co-blogger Janett Schindler from Teilzeitreisen!
Together, we plan to hone in on what will be significant in the AI age, particularly in tourism. Castle Camp Kaprun is undoubtedly the right place for this.
Setting & Stories of the Castle Camp Kaprun Conference
Kaprun Castle provides an intriguing backdrop for a barcamp centered on AI in tourism; it showcases the advantages and experiences of cutting-edge technologies against the magnificent historical surroundings. We engage with colleagues from the Austrian National Tourism Board (whose new platform, Change Tourism Austria, features numerous exciting updates on AI in tourism) as well as familiar faces and newcomers in the “brave new world” of content marketing, masterfully organized by Rainer Edlinger from SalzburgerLand Tourismus.
I appreciate that Castle Camp Kaprun offers space for free-flowing and almost philosophical discussions alongside technical sessions: Inclusion versus a shift to the right? How can we communicate values effectively? And what conversations are essential beyond AI?
#cczk24 is here: Ready for Castle Camp Kaprun!
CTA Change Tourism Austria welcomes us at the entrance of the castle courtyard…
… which includes the first “room for conversation” in the castle’s Knights’ Hall.
The sessions at #cczk24 are finalized: AI, sustainability, and … Salsa!
Hot Barcamp Topics: AI, Social Media, and Content Creation
During #cczk24, we will primarily address issues such as sustainability, AI, content marketing, and social media, along with the broader theme of change across various levels. In photography, graphics, design, and film: How are we, as a society, responding to the disruptions in the creative industry brought about by AI? Where can we draw inspiration when AI appears to control everything? What does it mean when (seemingly) authentic experiences and impressions are also replicated by AI?
In a separate discussion, my colleague Janett and I argue that “there is and always will be a demand for AI-free content,” asserting that not all elements like personal narratives, style, and personality can be easily substituted by AI. We inquire about the importance of networking, cohesion, and transparency. Yet, perhaps we are being overly optimistic; it’s challenging to predict what this rapidly changing time holds.
Both Janett and I agree that “Niche topics enhance Google rankings,” a trend we can validate through our own experiences. A noteworthy insight is that text-based AI increasingly turns to search engines like Bing, which tend to favor blogs and rank them higher. Günter Exel from Realizing Progress digital marketing consultancy played the role of devil’s advocate in our discussion: “Soon, we will find inspiration for travel through conversations with AI chatbots.”
In Günter’s session on AI image generation, he takes us on a journey while searching for the ghost of Kaprun Castle. Despite the humorous title—or perhaps because of it—we listen with rapt attention: Various image generators like FLUX, Midjourney, Ideogram, and Leonardo AI produce noticeable differences in quality. For now, only the AI image generator Ideogram successfully displays fonts accurately. Creating realistic images of actual places with AI remains a challenge.
Günter Exel from Realizing Progress discussing image generation with AI at the #cczk24 Castle Camp Kaprun.
An overview: Engaging discussions during our joint session “Content without AI: What will remain (and for whom)?”
Lively discussions also took place during the sessions in the castle courtyard.
Thank you all for the great networking and insights at #cczk24 Castle Camp Kaprun!
About Kaprun: Staying at Pension Koller, Schneiderei Restaurant & Weitblick Lounge
Kaprun itself is definitely worth visiting. I’ve previously written about Zell am See as a travel destination (most recently regarding sustainability and creative travel in the area); during my time at #cczk23 last year, I decided to revisit Kaprun with my entire family.
I highly recommend staying at Pension Koller, managed by Andrea Koller, located right below Kaprun Castle. It’s a pleasant walk down to the center of Kaprun, where you’ll find both the Schneiderei Restaurant and the Weitblick Lounge.
A glimpse of the garden at Pension Koller, looking towards the Kitzsteinhorn mountain…
… along with this view in the center of Kaprun.
A top tip for a wonderful time: The roof terrace of the Weitblick lounge, bar, and restaurant. Thank you for the inspiring moments together, dear Janett.
What concerns do you currently have regarding AI and tourism? I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the matter.
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