LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Southern Nevada’s first AI-powered hotel made headlines Thursday, hosting dignitaries and global leaders hoping to learn from local innovation and tourism strategies.

“We’re just adding value, we’re changing,” Philippe Ziade, CEO of Otonomus Hotel, said. “Really, we call it the augmented age.”

The Otonomus Hotel held its first official event, hosting leaders from around the world.

“We are here trying to push the envelope,” Ziade said. “And really redefine hospitality.”

The AI-Powered hotel, the first of its kind in Las Vegas, attracted attention from a myriad of countries. The most recognized was Félix Ulloa, the Vice President of El Salvador.

“We are here to talk with the businessperson, Philippe,” Ulloa said. “In order to promote our investment.”

The country has been in the news recently for its involvement in the Trump Administration’s deportations, with many migrants sent to its controversial mega prison that has raised concerns about due process and the treatment of detainees.

At the same time, tourism in El Salvador has seen a significant spike, with 3.9 million people visiting in 2024, according to the World Tourism Organization.

Many visitors have headed to the coastal community of Surf City, which Ulloa told 8 News Now he hopes to improve with Las Vegas in mind.

“We need more hotels, we need golf courses, we need many attractions for the tourism,” Ulloa said. “And we learned Las Vegas is a pioneer of doing that, and I am here trying to make this sort of alliance.”

It’s a development some called a chance for a change in narrative for one of many locations looking to learn from the entertainment capital of the world.

Ziade announced Thursday he is building his next Otonomus Hotel location in El Salvador. That would add to the Las Vegas location and another in Tulum, Mexico.

Clark County leaders also met with dignitaries from Sweden, Japan, and several other Central American countries, all of whom took part in the event to learn from our local tourism industry.