Good Practices
The concept of Smart Tourism is defined by the European Union as a destination facilitating access to tourism and hospitality products, services, spaces and experiences through ICT-based (Information and communications technology) tools. By investing and developing these resources a city’s intelligence is strengthened and visitor engagement enhanced. This has implications on businesses and individuals alike who benefit from a more efficient infrastructure and service provision.
Smart tourism focuses on 4 main aspects:
• Accessibility
• Sustainability: environmental and social.
• Digitalization
• Creative and Cultural Heritage
The importance of the tourism sector within the European economy and as a source of employment for young people is undeniable, as one of every six VET students in likely to end finding a job in the sector, and at the same time, C-VET programs are a perfect opportunity for workers to acquire new skills.
The main objectives of SMARTOUR project are to:
• Create a training course for VET students and workers of tourism sector based on the
last trends and needs of tourism sector.
• To provide easy tools that can be adopted and adapted by small destinations and small
operators and entrepreneurs.
• Enhance the employability of VET students and workers of the tourism sector.
The main results of the project are:
• R1 Best practices report in Smart Tourism.
• R2- Online course in Smart Tourism
• R3- Compilation of Open Accessible IT tools to put into practice the theoretical content
of the course.
• R4 Pilots with VET students and workers of tourism sector.
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This first result explores existing best practices in the tourism sector that foster sustainability and SMART solutions applied successfully in different destinations and with potential to be transferred to other destinations. In the following sections there is a summary of the key common points between them and then, the practices themselves.
Summary of Good Practices in Smart Tourism
Common Principles
1. Cross-Sector Collaboration
o Partnerships between governments, local communities, academia, businesses,
and technology providers are essential.
o Collaboration ensures resource sharing, innovation, and broad stakeholder
engagement.
2. Technological Innovation
o Use of cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of
Things (IoT), and Big Data to enhance tourism experiences.
o Applications include smart kiosks, personalized visitor apps, augmented reality
(AR), and data-driven decision-making.
3. Inclusivity and Accessibility
o Programs prioritize accessibility for all, including people with disabilities, the
elderly, and families.
o Features such as assisted bathing services, accessible transport options, and
inclusive cultural experiences foster equity.
4. Sustainability
o Emphasis on environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
o Initiatives aim to reduce waste, optimize energy use, and support local
economies.
o Promotion of sustainable travel behaviors, like using public transport and ecofriendly modes of transit.
5. Cultural and Historical Preservation
o Restoring historical buildings, preserving local traditions, and promoting
cultural heritage.
o Experiential activities help visitors engage deeply with the history and
traditions of destinations.
Impact of Good Practices
1. Enhanced Visitor Experience
o Personalized services improve satisfaction and engagement.
o Immersive experiences using AR and VR bring history and culture to life.
2. Economic Growth
Increased tourist influx boosts local businesses and job opportunities.
o New revenue streams emerge from tech-driven services and enhanced cultural
offerings.
3. Community Empowerment
o Inclusion of local stakeholders ensures relevance and acceptance.
o Empowering local communities fosters pride and ownership.
4. Global Recognition
o Destinations implementing these practices gain national and international
recognition, attracting more tourists and investment.
Lessons Learned
1. Importance of Adaptability
o Practices must evolve with changing traveler expectations and technological
advancements.
2. Value of Stakeholder Involvement
o Engaging diverse stakeholders ensures a holistic approach and better
implementation.
3. Need for Continuous Learning
o Ongoing training and workshops for tourism professionals are critical to
maintaining high standards.
Tools and Resources
1. Workshops and Training
o Hands-on sessions to familiarize stakeholders with smart technologies.
2. Digital Platforms
o Apps and online resources provide real-time information and facilitate
planning for visitors.
3. Networking Opportunities
o Matchmaking sessions and conferences foster collaboration and knowledge
exchange.
4. Educational Materials
o Toolkits, white papers, and case studies provide actionable insights for
stakeholders.
Replicability and Scaling
1. Adapting to Local Contexts
Successful practices can be tailored to address specific local challenges and
opportunities.
2. Global Networks
o Sharing experiences and methodologies through international forums can
inspire similar initiatives worldwide.
3. Modular Approaches
o Modular frameworks enable easy adaptation while maintaining core
objectives.
Conclusion
These good practices demonstrate the transformative potential of integrating technology, inclusivity, and sustainability in tourism. By learning from these examples, destinations can enhance their appeal, support local communities, and contribute to global sustainable tourism goals.
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