The theme of WCST 2026, “Synergizing Industry and Academia: Harnessing AI for Transformative Tourism and Hospitality in the Global South,” emphasizes the critical need for collaborative innovation as AI technologies rapidly reshape tourism and hospitality ecosystems. In many regions of the Global South, advancements in artificial intelligence, data-driven service delivery, and digital infrastructures offer unprecedented opportunities to enhance competitiveness, foster inclusive growth, and build sustainable tourism futures. However, the effective adoption of these technologies requires strong partnerships between universities, industry stakeholders, and public institutions to address challenges such as capability gaps, equitable access, ethical governance, and community-centered development. WCST 2026 seeks to provide a vibrant platform where scholars, practitioners, and policymakers can jointly explore strategies, share insights, and co-create transformative solutions that empower the Global South in the AI-driven tourism era.