Tech-Enabled Ecotourism

What happens when technology meets the rainforest? According to Professor Dr. Vikneswaran Nair, Deputy Vice Chancellor of UNIMY, the answer could redefine the future of travel itself.

Speaking at the Global Tourism Conference 2025, Prof. Nair delivered a powerful message: the next era of ecotourism won’t just be about exploring nature - it will be about protecting it through innovation.

He began by painting the picture of a tourism industry at a crossroads. “We’re living through three major shifts,” he said. “A post-pandemic reset in how people travel, a climate crisis that demands accountability and a digital revolution changing everything we do. The question is, how can we use technology not to exploit nature, but to restore it?”

His answer: tech-enabled stewardship.

Imagine smart visitor systems using AI to monitor fragile ecosystems in real time. Imagine solar-powered micro-grids lighting up rural lodges and electric boats replacing diesel ferries in national parks. Imagine every booking on a transparent digital platform where you can see exactly how your money supports local communities.

“Technology can make tourism cleaner, fairer and smarter, but only if we build it with purpose,” Prof. Nair explained.

He shared how immersive tools like AR and VR are already changing the way travellers experience nature, allowing visitors to explore coral reefs or forest trails virtually before they arrive, reducing the pressure on fragile environments. IoT sensors and drones now let conservationists monitor wildlife habitats continuously, while ESG dashboards make environmental data visible and verifiable for everyone.

But Prof. Nair was quick to emphasise that technology is only one side of the story. “Accountability matters,” he said. “We need simple, transparent systems to measure impact and to prove that every project is restoring ecosystems and improving livelihoods. And we must ensure that communities truly share in the benefits.”

His call to action was clear and heartfelt:

“The future of ecotourism is not about new gadgets for old problems. It’s about using technology to prove restoration, improve livelihoods and protect what visitors come to experience. Rethink what we offer. Reinvent how we deliver. Restore what we use.”

As Malaysia’s digital technology university, UNIMY is helping make this vision a reality. Within the BAC Education Group, UNIMY’s researchers and students are already developing the tools to power sustainable destinations - from AI-driven visitor analytics and low-bandwidth mobile guides to data pipelines that track ESG performance in real time.

These innovations are being tested in partnership with parks, islands and rural destinations across Malaysia, giving students hands-on experience in how digital technology can drive both sustainability and opportunity.

For Prof. Nair, the message is simple:

“When we blend ecological wisdom with digital intelligence, we create a future where tourism doesn’t just take from nature — it gives back.”

Organisations and partners interested in collaborating on ecotourism tech pilots or upskilling programmes are invited to reach out to our research and development team. Together, we can build a future where travel heals more than it harms.