The Tourism Innovation Summit (TIS) 2024 has announced the call for entries for the prestigious Tourism Innovation Awards, which recognise the most innovative companies and professionals in the tourism sector. Applications are open until 6th September 2024, and organisations are invited to submit their entries or nominate their peers in various categories. These awards celebrate creativity and adaptability in a constantly evolving sector.

Award Categories

The awards include several key categories, such as:

• Best Customer Experience: Recognises initiatives that have significantly improved the customer experience.
• Best Digital Transformation: Awards companies that have implemented innovative digital solutions, transforming their operations.
• Sustainability Leadership: Highlights organisations that have made significant advances in sustainability and environmental responsibility within tourism.
• Most Innovative Start-Up: Aimed at startups that have introduced groundbreaking ideas in the industry.
• Best Strategy to Rebuild Post-COVID: Recognises the most effective strategies for recovering from the impact of the pandemic.

The winners will be announced during TIS 2024, which will take place in Seville from 29th to 31st October. This event is a unique opportunity for industry leaders to share their experiences, explore new ideas, and prepare for the future of tourism.

How to Participate

To participate, interested companies and professionals must complete the online registration form before the deadline. Applications will be evaluated by a panel of experts in tourism, innovation, and technology, who will select the winners based on their impact, creativity, and relevance.

TIS 2024 promises to be a gathering place for visionaries in the sector, and the Tourism Innovation Awards are an opportunity to highlight those leading the way towards a more innovative and sustainable future for tourism.

For more information on how to submit an application or nominate a colleague, visit the official TIS website.

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 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.

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.

We Travel Hub has launched Travelfinder, an innovative tool designed to monetise tourism services and maximise the economic potential of businesses in the sector. Travelfinder allows hotels, tourist accommodations, restaurants, and activity companies to generate additional revenue by offering complementary services to their customers.

Description of Travelfinder

Travelfinder is a customisable travel metasearch engine that helps tourism businesses offer a wide range of services such as accommodation, transportation, dining, and activities. Businesses can integrate this metasearch engine into their websites, social media, emails, and even physical spaces through displays with QR codes. This tool makes trip planning easier for customers by providing all necessary services in one place.

Objectives and Benefits

The main objective of Travelfinder is to generate a triple impact:

• For Tourists and Travellers: Providing more options and enhancing the user experience by facilitating the booking of complementary services.
• For the Geographical Area: Diversifying the tourist offering and promoting awareness and conservation of local heritage.
• For the Community: Increasing the flow of visitors and contributing to local economic development.

Key Features

Travelfinder allows tourism businesses to customise the search engine with their logo and the services they wish to offer. It is a versatile and easy-to-use solution, accessible from any communication channel. Businesses receive 80% of the commissions generated from bookings and advertisements displayed through the metasearch engine.

Implementation and Usability

Businesses can implement Travelfinder for free, benefiting from a tool that optimises the user experience and provides a comprehensive view of the destination’s tourist offerings. This tool not only enhances customer satisfaction but also generates additional revenue through cross-selling of tourism services.

Real Travel transforms the stories of regions into tourist experiences through a mobile tool. This application facilitates the connection, promotion, and management of destinations and tourist services, offering multimedia guides accessible on mobile devices. It enhances local attractions and resources, diversifying the offerings and educating users about local heritage. Additionally, the app allows for the collection of relevant data for territorial planning. Real Travel is free, and its content is developed in collaboration with local stakeholders, creating digital tourist guides with global reach thanks to geolocation. It is available for both Android and iOS.

Generating a Triple Impact on:

• Tourists/Travellers: Providing more options for resources and tourist activities.
• Geographical Area: Diversifying the tourist offering and raising awareness about local heritage preservation.
• Community: Increasing visitor flow and local economic development.

Features:

• Multi-destination Coverage: Addresses multiple destinations without territorial segregation.
• Enhanced Visibility: Increases the visibility of destinations at national and international levels.
• Traveller-Destination Connection: Facilitates connections between travellers and destinations, generating significant economic development.
• Value-Added Services: Offers added value through research and curation of tourist resources.
• Diverse Offerings: Diversifies the tourist offering based on local and cultural identity.
• Comprehensive Information: Provides information on attractions, tourist guides, activities, and more.
• Global Visibility: Enables global visibility for businesses and tourist services.
• Promotion and Sales Channel: Transforms the app into a channel for promotion, connection, and sales for local businesses.