In November 2024, Cáceres will host the World Congress on Inland Tourism, organised by the Iberian Association of Inland Tourism (AITI). This event, taking place from 26th to 28th November, will address topics such as new mobility, sustainability, and present success stories from countries like Spain, Portugal, Peru, Equatorial Guinea, and Azerbaijan.

The main objective of the congress is to analyse inland tourism, its prospects and functioning, as well as future challenges. It will also focus on the cultural and social impacts of tourism in inland areas and the planning of actions for their socio-economic development. Topics to be discussed include religious and spiritual tourism and the sustainability of tourism with a view towards 2030.

Experts from various countries, including Spain, Portugal, Poland, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Morocco, Peru, Mexico, Colombia, Bolivia, Equatorial Guinea, Egypt, Iran, and the Philippines, will participate in the event through individual communications and round tables. Additionally, there will be an exhibition of inland destinations aimed at public administrations and companies, facilitating contact and collaboration between national and international tour operators.

The programme will also include a Fam Trip through Extremadura and Beira Baixa in Portugal, aimed at travel agencies and tour operators, to promote the marketing of these destinations. The congress will be supported by a scientific committee composed of over one hundred academics from 40 universities across 12 countries, who will contribute their academic work to the debate.

Thus, Cáceres is preparing to become the epicentre of inland tourism, promoting the development and sustainability of less-explored territories.

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The growth of digital tourism and the use of technological tools in hotels, travel agencies, and entertainment services make the sector particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks. The National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE) has identified tourism as one of the strategic sectors that must strengthen its security systems to protect user data and ensure the functionality of its infrastructures. From ransomware attacks to personal data breaches, the threats are diverse and can severely impact customer trust.

INCIBE works to provide resources, guides, and technical assistance to companies in the tourism sector, helping them mitigate risks and adopt best practices in cybersecurity. These measures not only protect organisations but also strengthen customer confidence, as consumers are increasingly aware of the importance of securing their personal data.

Additionally, INCIBE offers incident response services and promotes collaboration among sector stakeholders to share information on emerging threats and innovative solutions.

For more information on how to protect the tourism sector, you can visit the INCIBE website.

The International Classical Theatre Festival of Mérida has taken a significant step towards internationalisation by participating in the innovative European programme Dancing Histor(y)ies, a project funded by Creative Europe. This programme, which brings together 13 entities from 11 countries, aims to strengthen the ties between local communities and cultural heritage through dance and the performing arts.

Objectives and Participation

Dancing Histor(y)ies, whose motto is “binding communities and heritage through dance,” aims to strengthen the connection between local communities and cultural heritage.

The Mérida Festival, now in its 70th edition, has scheduled a series of activities including three workshops and three dance performances. These activities will take place until Sunday in various archaeological sites across the city, aiming to combine the best of theatre and performing arts with the enhancement of archaeological heritage.

Programme Presentation

The programme was presented by Pedro Blanco, Managing Director of the Festival’s Patronage Consortium, who explained that the Dancing Histor(y)ies schedule includes three workshops and three dance performances, all free of charge and requiring prior registration via online forms.

Performances and Workshops

The performances scheduled as part of Dancing Histor(y)ies include:

• ‘One Day We Will Be Statues‘ by ILDance (Sweden), which will be presented on Friday at 9:00 PM in the Roman Forum. This production, designed by Israel Aloni, is inspired by the three visits made to Mérida by the Swedish company to immerse themselves in the local culture, blending contemporary dance and sound in a historical setting.
• ‘Ícaro‘ by 420People (Czech Republic), which will take place on Saturday at 9:30 PM in the Temple of Diana. Marta Lajnerová, head of the company, highlights the collaboration of six dance students from Mérida in this production, underscoring the value of shared creative experiences.
• ‘Electra‘ by the Theatre and Dance Workshop of IES Santa Eulalia in Mérida, scheduled for Sunday at 9:30 PM in the Temple of Diana. This local production, directed by Juan Carlos Tirado with choreography by Alba Gog, integrates elements of Greek mythology in a heritage context.

Additionally, several workshops will be conducted to explore the intersection between performing arts and cultural heritage:

• ‘La caja de Pandora‘, directed by the flamenco dance company and school of Fuensanta Blanco, involves young people aged 10 to 30 in a creative process that will culminate in the performance ‘The Thread of Hope‘, on Thursday at 9:30 PM in the Temple of Diana. This workshop is inspired by the myth of Pandora, exploring themes of hope and resilience through flamenco.
• ‘Didactics of Dramatic Expression‘, a training course led by Javier Llanos and produced by TAPTC? Teatro, has been conducted from 1st to 4th July. This workshop covers techniques for group facilitation, creativity enhancement, theatre direction, stage production, and citizen engagement, offering comprehensive training for artists and educators.
• ‘Utilisation of Heritage Sites as Venues for Performances‘, a seminar that will take place on Thursday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Festival’s headquarters. Managed by the Institute of Archaeology of Mérida, this workshop will analyse the use of heritage buildings as performance spaces, with lectures on the Temple of Diana, the Forum Portico, and the Parador of Mérida, followed by a round table discussion on how to use these spaces without compromising their identity.

Reflections and Future

Jesús Cimarro, Director of the Mérida Festival, highlighted how the project focuses on promoting archaeological sites through the performing arts, defining an innovative, effective, and replicable model for the enhancement of cultural sites. This model aims to actively involve local communities in artistic production and conscious enjoyment of heritage, while also promoting the international participation and circulation of European artists.

Antonio Marín, Director of the Centre for Performing Arts and Music of Extremadura (CEMART), emphasised that “dialogue” is the word that defines Dancing Histor(y)ies, highlighting the importance of communication between performing arts and heritage, among different institutions, and across various countries. This approach demonstrates that “culture is a key that opens doors to cross borders and establish collaborations.” Marín also noted that the Mérida Festival is the only event held in four archaeological sites, reinforcing its uniqueness and commitment to heritage conservation while crossing borders throughout Europe.

Israel Aloni, from ILDance, expressed his enthusiasm for participating in this event, highlighting that Mérida offers an inspiring environment that combines history and contemporary art. Marta Lajnerová, from 420People, also appreciated this European initiative, thanking the Mérida Festival team for their collaboration in bringing her performance to such an iconic setting.

Pedro Mateos, Director of the Institute of Archaeology of Mérida, advocated for the use of heritage buildings as performance spaces, emphasising the need to preserve their essence while exploring new ways to utilise them. The seminar’s round table will provide a platform to discuss these issues in depth, involving both archaeologists and performing arts professionals.

Images by Jero Morales / Mérida Festival

The Hotel Technology Institute (ITH) has launched the Cyber Risk Guide for the hotel sector, designed to help tourist accommodations understand and manage cyber risks. This resource, developed as part of the Hotel SOC project and funded by the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Tourism, provides information on the digital threats faced by the sector, the potential consequences of a cyber incident, and the preventive measures necessary to strengthen digital security.

Key Points of the Guide

1. Understanding Cyber Risks: The guide outlines the specific cyber threats facing the hotel sector, highlighting the importance of cybersecurity in protecting sensitive guest data and internal operations.
2. Preventive Measures: It provides recommendations on how to implement effective security practices, including the use of security software, staff training, and the establishment of digital security policies.
3. Resources and Tools: It offers a list of useful resources and technological tools that hotels can use to improve their cybersecurity.

Benefits for the Sector

Implementing these measures not only protects hotels from potential cyberattacks, but also strengthens customer trust by ensuring the security of their personal data. Additionally, the guide promotes a culture of digital security among employees, encouraging responsible and informed practices.

For more details and to download the full guide, visit ITH.

The tourism sector is experiencing a significant increase in demand for professionals with technological skills. According to recent data, the need to integrate digital tools and data analysis has led to a 30% rise in demand for technology experts over the past year. This digital transformation is essential for enhancing customer experience and optimising operations.

Technological Adaptation

Tourism companies are adopting new technologies to remain competitive. It is estimated that 75% of tourism businesses plan to increase their investment in technology over the next two years. This investment is focused on improving key areas such as data analysis, digital marketing, and cybersecurity.

Training and Skills

To address this growing demand, specific training programs have been developed. The most valued skills include data analysis, digital marketing, and cybersecurity. A recent report highlights that 60% of companies in the sector have begun training their staff in these areas to keep up with technological trends.

Impact on the Sector

The adoption of digital technologies has optimised operations and improved data-driven decision-making, enabling more personalised services. Additionally, digital transformation contributes to the sector’s sustainability through more efficient resource management. It is expected that technological integration will drive a 20% increase in the productivity of the tourism sector by 2025.

For more information, read the full article on the Galicia Tourism Cluster website.

Cybersecurity has become a priority for tourism businesses, as cyber threats constantly evolve and can severely impact operations. Implementing threat intelligence enables companies in the sector to identify, process, and analyse information about potential attacks, anticipating their impacts and protecting their systems.

Strategies and Protective Measures

• Sources of Information. Identifying and selecting relevant sources for the tourism sector is crucial. Platforms like Cyber Threat Alliance provide information on specific threats to connected devices in hotels and other tourist establishments.
• Analysis and Response. After identifying threats, it is vital to analyse the information and update security systems accordingly. Staff training is equally important to prevent fraud, such as identity theft on booking platforms.
• Continuous Evaluation. Companies should regularly review their intelligence sources and cybersecurity strategies to ensure they are effective. This includes adjusting processes and enhancing staff training to stay up-to-date with the latest threats.

Benefits for the Tourism Sector

Implementing a cyber threat intelligence programme based on standards such as ISO 27001 or NIST-800 not only protects sensitive company information but also improves their ability to respond to attacks. This is essential for maintaining customer trust and ensuring business continuity in an increasingly digital and connected environment.

Personalisation and Tailored Experiences

The tourism sector is adopting advanced technologies to meet the growing demand for personalised experiences. Artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) are transforming how travellers interact with destinations. Hotels, for instance, are integrating these technologies to offer differentiated experiences, such as interactive entertainment spaces and gamified activities.

Digital Transformation and Sustainability

Augmented reality in museums and historical cities allows tourists to visualise the past of the places they visit. Additionally, the incorporation of AI and other technologies facilitates the creation of innovative and multisensory culinary experiences. Social media plays a crucial role in connecting with Generation Z, using platforms like Instagram and TikTok to influence travel decisions and effectively promote tourist destinations.

Key Benefits:

• Enhanced Engagement: Immersive technologies increase tourist participation and interest.
• Unique Experiences: Personalisation and gamification provide memorable travel experiences.
• Operational Efficiency: AI and digital technologies optimise tourism management and improve sustainability.

DigitalPress Group celebrated an unforgettable evening this Wednesday with the presentation of the 4th @ Awards of their newspaper Regiondigital.com. The event took place in the charming Gardens of the Hotel Ilunion Las Lomas in Mérida and was hosted by Diego Casillas, director of Miextremadura.com, alongside Elena Cárdenas, an actress from ESAD Extremadura.

More than 200 attendees enjoyed an evening full of good vibes and memorable moments. They were all honoured with the iconic @ symbol designed by the renowned Extremaduran sculptor Miguel Sansón.

These awards stand out for recognising innovation, entrepreneurship, and social impact in the region, thus celebrating the talent and dedication of the awardees. This year’s gala has once again solidified Regiondigital.com’s commitment to excellence and the development of Extremadura.

Julio González Morales, CEO of DigitalPress Group, congratulated the awardees and highlighted the crucial role of RegionDigital.com throughout its 24-year history, praising the commitment and loyalty of the team. Looking to the future, he expressed optimism about continuing to innovate and lead projects both in Spain and internationally. He also advocated for simplifying administration for freelancers and businesses. Additionally, he announced plans to strengthen their role as providers of software and digital content, integrating artificial intelligence with specialised journalistic work.

You can visit the full news story on the official Regiondigital.com website.

Founded in late 2020, Boldest is a startup revolutionising how travellers interact with online tourist information. Specialising in the creation of premium interactive maps, Boldest enhances the traveller experience with intuitive and engaging digital tools, optimising marketing and sales for any tourist destination.

Problem It Solves

Modern travellers have little time and seek visual and interactive content to aid their decision-making. Current tourist information is outdated, leading to ineffective promotions and high abandonment rates. According to Expedia’s “Path to Purchase” report, the process from inspiration to purchase can take over two months. Boldest allows destinations to present themselves in a novel and entertaining way during this critical period.

Key Features

• Automatic Updates: Always accurate and up-to-date information.
• Enhanced Customer Experience: Detailed information about each dish.
• Operational Efficiency: Optimisation of buffet management.
• Competitive Differentiation: Unique and advanced dining experience.
• Environmental Sustainability: Reduction of paper and plastic waste.
• Inclusivity: Accessible information for all diners.
• Innovative Marketing: Real-time promotion of menus and events.

Benefits and Future

This solution enhances customer experience, operational efficiency, and environmental sustainability for hotels, positioning them as leaders in technological innovation in the tourism sector.

For more details, visit the official Boldest website.

Reusable Electronic Labels are revolutionising hotel buffets, enhancing the interaction between tourists and hotel staff. This advanced technology provides accurate and detailed information about each dish in multiple languages, optimising both the dining and operational experience.

Objective of the Innovation

The main objective is to significantly enhance the interaction between tourists and staff in hotel buffets, offering an informed and enjoyable dining experience for guests.

Key Features

• Real-Time Automatic Updates: Always accurate and up-to-date menu information.
• Enhanced Customer Experience: Informed decisions and satisfaction of dietary preferences.
• Operational Efficiency: Optimised buffet management.
• Competitive Differentiation: Unique and technologically advanced dining experience.
• Environmental Sustainability: Reduction of paper and plastic waste.
• Promotion of Inclusivity: Accessible information for all diners.
• Innovative Marketing: Real-time promotion of menus, offers, and events.

Benefits and Future

This solution enhances customer experience, operational efficiency, and environmental sustainability for hotels, positioning them as leaders in technological innovation in the tourism sector.

For more details, visit the official Electronic Labels website.