AI Strategy · Digital Transformation · Speaker

Nicolas
François

AI applied to tourism,
from strategy to the field.

21+ years in digital, including 13 years dedicated to tourism. Digital Director and creator of the IA, Tech & Travel Café newsletter. Speaker, certified in Agentic AI by MIT Professional Education, and Ambassador of France's national "Osez l'IA" (Dare AI) initiative.

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Nicolas François, Digital Director and speaker on AI for tourism
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About

Expert in digital strategy and AI for tourism

For over 21 years, I've been supporting organizations through their digital transformation, including 13 years dedicated to tourism. As Digital Director, I lead Explore Grand Est, a platform that brings together 2,200+ partners and has been recognized at the UX Awards and the Trophées de la Communication Digitale.

Based in France, I work at the crossroads of AI and tourism, bringing a European perspective to an industry largely shaped by North American narratives. What I learn along the way, I share in my newsletter and on LinkedIn, no jargon, no magic promises. That's the spirit of IA, Tech & Travel Café, an independent project launched in March 2024: analyzing what's really changing to help industry professionals move forward with method and critical thinking.

I believe AI is a powerful lever for tourism — provided we approach it seriously and with common sense. In 2025, I earned my MIT Professional Education certification in Agentic AI and joined the network of AI Ambassadors for France's national "Osez l'IA" initiative, led by the French Ministry of Economy, representing the tourism sector on these issues.

AI Strategy · Tourism Digital Transformation MIT Professional Education · Agentic AI "Osez l'IA" Ambassador

Where to find me

Content & networks
Site · Media

IA, Tech & Travel Café

I test AI for tourism and share what I learn. Practical use cases, hands-on guides, field interviews. Newsletter · Substack

IA, Tech & Travel Café · Newsletter

Every month, what's really changing in AI for tourism. For professionals who want to move forward with method. LinkedIn · Personal profile

Nicolas François

/n-francois
Field-tested AI insights for tourism professionals. LinkedIn · Page

IA, Tech & Travel Café page

/company/iatechtravelcafe
Follow newsletter updates and ecosystem news on LinkedIn.
Speaking

AI speaker for the tourism industry

A regular speaker on AI use cases in tourism, I share field insights and practical thinking with industry professionals, students, and decision-makers.

  • Next Tourisme (Paris)
  • ADN Tourisme
  • Echo Touristique · Fevad
  • Rencontres Nationales du E-tourisme (Pau)
  • Grands Remous (Québec)
  • Sorbonne Université (Paris)
  • Rencontres IA & Tourisme Grand Est (France)
Talks, media, publications

Contact

A question,
a project, an idea?

hello@nfrancois.fr