Contents:

1. Revolutionising Travel with Smart Tourism
a) What can we do?
b) Role of data and information
c) Mastering Destinations: Smart Management Strategies

2. Harnessing the Power of Data: Innovative Solutions for Tourism
a) Statistics - UNWTO, Eurostat
b) Specific data-based solutions (examples)
c) IoT for data collection (examples)

3. Empowering Choices: Advanced Tools for Informed Decision Making followed by a summary and a word from our experts - Mapping Initiatives and Frameworks for Sustainable Tourism Statistics

Summary

In the era of digital transformation, data-driven tools are reshaping destination management and smart tourism. We explore how technologies such as IoT, AI, and cloud computing are enhancing visitor experiences, optimising resource management, and promoting sustainability within the tourism sector. Smart tourism initiatives leverage real-time data analytics to improve operational efficiency and competitiveness, from advanced transportation systems to interactive tourist information points.

It’s worth pointing out the pivotal role of data in shaping informed decision-making and fostering collaboration between sectors. Highlighted solutions include the SIT Tourism Intelligence System for strategic planning and InstaSights for destination popularity insights. Case studies from cities like El Hierro and Gothenburg showcase successful implementations of smart tourism strategies, illustrating the transformative potential of integrating technology with sustainable practices.

Overall, we try to underscore how data-driven approaches empower destinations to achieve sustainable growth, enhance visitor satisfaction, and navigate the complexities of modern tourism management effectively.

Engage with related publications:

We invite readers to explore the related publications available on this platform, which delve deeper into the transformative impact of data-driven tools in tourism. These resources offer insights into innovative technologies like the SIT Tourism Intelligence System and practical applications such as InstaSights, showcasing successful implementations from diverse destinations. Beyond specific tools, the publications highlight broader implications for sustainable tourism practices and the integration of digital solutions. They encourage a dialogue among stakeholders on leveraging data to enhance visitor experiences, optimise resource management, and foster collaborative innovation. By engaging with these publications, readers can gain a comprehensive understanding of how data-driven strategies are reshaping the tourism landscape, sparking discussions on best practices and future developments in smart destinations management.

Have we piqued your interest? If so, you can find more additional materials on our platform below. In the first section you will find legal acts that regulate digital transformation and transformation in the field of tourism at the EU level. In addition, you will find there the relevant networks on the topics we present and relevant associations, as well as available funding calls. Finally, we encourage you to check out similar materials that you can already find on our platform.

Legislation and policy:

AI Act 

The European Data Act

General Data Protection Regulation

The Data Protection Law Enforcement Directive

Europe’s Digital Decade: digital targets for 2030

European Data Protection Board

Transition Pathway for Tourism

Relevant Networks

City Destinations Alliance 

European Tourism Network (ETN)

The Enterprise Europe Network (Sector Group Tourism)

Relevant Associations

The European Tourism Association (ETOA) and The ETOA Insight Hub

HOTREC (European Hospitality Association)

The European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN)

ECTAA (European Travel Agents' and Tour Operators' Associations)

Funding opportunities

EU Funding & Tenders Portal

Digital Europe Programme 

Just Transition Fund

Policy framework:

Europe’s Digital Decade: digital targets for 2030

The European Data Act: Advancing a fair and innovative data economy in the EU

European Commission’s strategy for a Common Data Space in Tourism

European Travel Commission’s Code of Conduct: Promoting fair and innovative data sharing in tourism

European Capital & Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism initiative: Celebrating innovation and sustainability

Overview of the European strategy for data

EU regulation on data collection and sharing for short-term accommodation rentals

Introduction of the EU Open Data Directive

European tourism data space initiative

Boosting transport innovation and sustainability with unified EU mobility data

What’s new:

Modernizing EU borders: Key features of the Entry/Exit System (EES)

European tourism surges past pre-pandemic levels in early 2024

Tourism: Council gives its final approval to the regulation for short-term rentals

Stakeholders actions:

POCITYF project - Initiative designed to transform cities into smarter and greener spaces

SmartCulTour - Completed initiative for promoting sustainable cultural tourism in Europe

The EU WeMED_NaTOUR project - Advancing sustainable ecotourism in the Mediterranean region

The TOURBIT project - Completed digital awareness initiative for tourism SMEs

The Smart Blue Tourism project - Innovative smart, safe, and green marinas for sustainable nautical tourism

Winter island project: Transforming Bornholm into a smart travel destination

Exploring knowledge management in Bulgarian tourism

Winners of the 2023 European Capitals of Smart Tourism Competition

MEDS Academy timeline: Training future leaders in European smart destination management 

Knowledge and learning:

Top Smart Tourism practices in Europe: Highlights from the 2024 European Capital of Smart Tourism competition

European capitals - smart tourism best practices

Smart and responsible destination management training

Strategies for sustainable mass tourism management handbook

SmartCulTour webinar: Shaping sustainable urban tourism

ReInHerit webinar: Exploring smart tourism and smart destinations

Enhancing destination management through big data analysis digital audio guide platform

EU Smart Tourism Podcast