The Cambridge classrooms at GIIS KL once again bustled with innovation and global curiosity as students from Year 3 to Year 6 celebrated World Tourism Day. Guided by the overarching international theme, “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism,” the event challenged upper primary learners to blend technology, sustainability, and cultural exploration through creative, hands-on projects.

Organized by the Humanities Department on September 29, 2026, the initiative encouraged students to reimagine how travel can become smarter, safer, and more environmentally friendly. Dressed in vibrant tour guide outfits and traditional regional attire, students brought dynamic energy to the classroom exhibitions.

Smart Travel Innovations: Years 3 and 4

Focusing on the continent of South America, Year 3 and Year 4 students took inspiration from travel fairs to conceptualize and construct "Smart Tourist Backpacks." Imagining themselves as modern travelers, the students designed physical backpack displays packed with forward-thinking travel gadgets.

Their innovative features included AI language translators, real-time weather guides, smart navigation maps, safety monitors, and eco-travel assistance systems. Alongside these high-tech tools, students detailed their assigned country’s rich heritage, local cuisine, traditions, and prominent geographic landmarks.

Building Smart Tourism Cities: Years 5 and 6

Students in Years 5 and 6 took their concepts a step further by building 3D "Smart Tourism Cities" representing destinations across Europe and Oceania. Learners evaluated how urban travel destinations could be redesigned using artificial intelligence and sustainable infrastructure.

Their detailed 3D models integrated AI tourist information hubs, automated public transit systems, smart waste management solutions, eco-friendly green spaces, and enhanced visitor safety networks, all while honoring local cultural landmarks and food districts.

The event strongly supported the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Furthermore, the activities fostered key 9 Gems competencies, highlighting Innovation & Creativity and Skill Development by sharpening students' public speaking, critical thinking, research, and visual design abilities.

This article represents Part 2 of our ongoing World Tourism Day series. Be sure to check out Part 1 covering the Year 1 and Year 2 celebrations, and stay tuned for Part 3, which will feature Years 7 to 10 focusing on "Ecotourism: Plant Your Destination.