Artificial Intelligence, Social Unrest, and Economic Development as Antecedents of Foreign Tourist Destination Choice

This study examines the influence of artificial inte ligence (AI), social unrest, and economic development as key antecedents in the selection of foreign tourist destinations. Specifica ly, it investigates the extent to which tourists utilize AI tools during the decision-making process and the role AI algorithms play in facilitating destination choice. Additiona ly, the research explores how social unrest, by disrupting stability and legal order, impacts tourists’ preferences, alongside the e fect of economic development on destination attractiveness. The empirical research was conducted in the Republic of Serbia in 2025 using the survey method, and the respondents' answers were analyzed using the statistical software SmartPLS 4. The total sample consisted of 310 respondents, and the findings indicate that a l variables exert a positive influence on the selection of foreign tourist destinations. By integrating technological, socio-political, legal and economic dimensions, this study offers valuable insights for tourism and hospitality service providers aiming to optimize their strategies and better cater to evolving tourist behaviors. The research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on how advanced technologies and contextual factors shape contemporary travel decisions, ultimately supporting more informed marketing and management practices in the global tourism industry.