Dr Selvakumar Ramachandran, a Departmental Tutor and member of the teaching team for the Undergraduate Advanced Diploma in IT Systems Analysis and Design (ADITSAD), recently represented the University at the Destinations for All World Summit 2025, held from 5 to 7 October 2025.
Dr Ramachandran, who also recently spoke at our Emerging Technologies for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship weekend event, was invited to speak in a plenary session on how virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance accessibility in tourism, particularly for people with disabilities and neurodivergence. His presentation showcased innovative projects that apply immersive technologies to improve inclusivity and empathy in travel and education.
In addition to his plenary talk, Dr Ramachandran moderated a session on key technologies in accessible tourism, sharing the platform with leading international experts. The summit, supported by the United Nations Tourism Organisation, brought together global stakeholders to exchange knowledge and best practice in inclusive travel.
Reflecting on the event, Dr Ramachandran said the summit provided ‘an invaluable platform for advancing the cause of inclusive travel and demonstrating the transformative potential of AI and VR for accessibility’.
This opportunity builds on momentum from his earlier work exhibited at the Oxford Digital Festival 2023/24 and featured in the Department’s article, VR-based tourism: a revolution in accessibility, inclusion and empathy (archived link).
For more information about the Destinations for All World Summit, visit destinationsforall2025.org. You can also read more about Dr Ramachandran’s presentation on LinkedIn.
