language translation applications, and voice recognition and natural language processing systems3. The use of artificial intelligence applications has and will have many positive effects on the travel and tourism sector. However, it also implies some challenges and risks that need to be addressed. Some of these challenges have been at the core of the debate about adopting a new legal framework for artificial intelligence systems and applications, which resulted in the adoption of the Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 laying down harmonised rules on artificial intelligence4, also known as “the Artificial Intelligence Act”. According to the Artificial Intelligence Act, its purpose is to lay down a uniform legal framework for the development, the placing on the market, the putting into service and the use of artificial intelligence systems (AI systems) in the Union, in accordance with Union values and to promote the uptake of human centric and trustworthy artificial intelligence while ensuring a high level of protection of health, safety, fundamental rights, including democracy, the rule of law and environmental protection, to protect against the harmful effects of artificial intelligence systems in the Union, and to support innovation. II. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ACT OVERVIEW 2.1. Scope of the Artificial Intelligence Act The Artificial Intelligence Act has a broad scope and is intended to have a wide application on different operators5 of artificial intelligence systems. According to article 2, it primarily places obligations on: a) providers placing on the market or putting into service AI systems or placing on the market general-purpose AI models in the Union, irrespective of whether those providers are established or located within the Union or in a third country; b) deployers of AI systems that have their place of establishment or are located within the Union; 3 Bulchand-Gidumal, J. (2020). Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality. In: Xiang, Z., Fuchs, M., Gretzel, U., Höpken, W. (eds) Handbook of e-Tourism. Springer, Cham; Prahadeeswaran, R. “A Comprehensive Review: The Convergence of Artificial Intelligence and Tourism”, International Journal for Multidimensional Research Perspectives, p. 12-24, ISSN: 2584 -0029 (Online), Vol. 1 \ Issue 2 \ 2023. 4 Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 laying down harmonised rules on artificial intelligence. 5 Accoding to article 2(8), ‘operator’ means a provider, product manufacturer, deployer, authorised representative, importer or distributor. 86 PAULA CASADESUS RIPOLL
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