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Celebrating Innovation: The 31 Winning Companies of the EUDigiTOUR Hackathon Program

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 12:23:42 GMT

Celebrating Innovation:

The 31 Winning Companies of the EUDigiTOUR Hackathon Program

We are thrilled to announce the 31 innovative companies that have emerged victorious in the Hackathon program of the EUDigiTOUR project. These companies, selected for their groundbreaking ideas, will receive economic voucher funding and collaborate closely with startups to bring their projects to life.

A Glimpse into EUDigiTOUR

EUDigiTOUR, a project aimed at driving digital transition in the tourism sector, is funded by the European Union's COSME program. The Hackathons, held in Izola, Slovenia, Berlin, Germany, and Verona, Italy, on February 26, March 4, and March 25, 2024, respectively, were pivotal events in this journey. These "creative marathons" saw tourism businesses and technology startups come together to present and refine innovative projects.

The Winning Companies

Thirty-one tourism businesses stood out during these Hackathons and were awarded vouchers covering up to 10,000 euros, funded by the European Union. The goal is to support these companies in transforming their innovative ideas into concrete realities through collaboration with tech-savvy startups.

Fostering Collaboration and Innovation

The Hackathons served as a melting pot for creativity and innovation. Digital Champions, startups selected from the earlier phases of the EUDigiTOUR project, teamed up with traditional SMEs in the tourism sector. Together, they developed forward-thinking business models leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Augmented/Virtual Reality, Big Data, and IoT. This phase of intensive networking and collaboration brought together supply and demand, paving the way for potential future partnerships and mutually beneficial exchanges.

Each local event ended up with a selection of awarded tourism SMEs : Quiroom Srl, Expirit Srl, Ruralis.com, Molise Wow limited liability cooperative society, Lanai SRL, SLC - VIP HOSPITALITY SERVICES, UNICUS ORNAMENT d.o.o., Ventula Travel DMC, House of Spirits, Hrvatska na čašu d.o.o., MANISTRA J.D.O.O., Croatia Open Land d.o.o, GREETHINGS. d.o.o., Volim Kvart d.o.o., My Cabin UE (haftungsbeschränkt), Dünencamping Amrum GmbH, KOMM MIT gemeinnützige Gesellschaft für internationale Jugend-, Sport und Kulturbegegnungen mbH, Münsterland e.V., Green Tiny Village Carolinensiel GmbH & Co. KG, Tiny Houses L Beteiligungs GmbH, Lidija SP , Neuhaus upravljanje d.o.o., VANDER HOTEL d.o.o., BRAVOO d.o.o., CVET GORA d.o.o, GRAD PRESTRANEK, d.d., Amberus d.o.o., Alpinia d.o.o., Bogatin doo, LOJZE ČOP S.P., Po svetu, d.o.o.

Loking Ahead: The Final Event

As the EUDigiTOUR project approaches its conclusion, we are gearing up for a grand finale. On September 4 , we will celebrate the project's achievements with an online event. This gathering will bring together all stakeholders, partners, investors, and anyone with an interest in tourism technology. It’s an opportunity to witness firsthand the power of connections and teamwork in driving digital transformation in the tourism industry.

Join Us
We invite you to be part of this exciting journey. Mark your calendars for September 4 and join us online to celebrate innovation, collaboration, and the future of digitalization in the tourism sector.

Click here to register for the event and view the detailed program. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to drive digital innovation in tourism!

Feel free to share this post and spread the word about the incredible journey of EUDigiTOUR and its impact on the tourism industry. Let's celebrate the power of technology and collaboration together!

Meet the Digital Champions: Traveleco, Leading Sustainable Tourism through Digitalization

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 08:45:02 GMT

Meet the Digital Champions:

Traveleco, Leading Sustainable Tourism through Digitalization

Traveleco, an innovative startup and recognized as a Digital Champion within the EUDigiTOUR High-Growth Programme, is at the forefront of revolutionizing sustainable tourism. Established in 2021 as a Benefit Company, Traveleco is dedicated to guiding and supporting hospitality facilities in their journey towards ecological transition while enhancing their sustainability performance. Notably, Traveleco has actively participated in the EUDIGITOUR initiative, a European project focused on the digitalization of tourism.

Highlighting their commitment to fostering innovation, Traveleco is set to take part in the upcoming Hackathon in Verona on March 25th. During this event, they will be paired with a traditional SME (Small and Medium-sized Enterprise), fostering collaboration between digital champions and traditional businesses. This unique partnership aims to bring about on-site innovation, combining digital expertise with the established practices of a traditional SME. Traveleco's participation in the Hackathon showcases their dedication to driving positive change in the tourism industry through cutting-edge digital solutions.

Welcome to Traveleco! Could you start by telling us how the idea of creating this innovative startup in the sustainable tourism sector came about in 2021?

Traveleco was founded as a Benefit Company with the goal of accompanying, supporting, and guiding hospitality facilities in their ecological transition, simultaneously enhancing their sustainability performance.

You participated in the European project EUDIGITOUR for the digitalization of tourism. What prompted you to join EUDigiTOUR?

We were recommended by Associazione Startup Turismo and then participated also at the Ecotandem project, leveraging European collaborations. In terms of digitalization, we already had a custom website completed by 2023, focusing on sections like green crowdfunding and implementing sustainability reviews on our showcase site. But we would like to improve it!

What are you looking for in terms of digitalization, and how can it help your startup?

Our digitalization efforts include the completion of our custom website, incorporating green crowdfunding and encouraging users to review sustainability.

What was the most helpful mentoring/meeting during the program?

All sessions were valuable. Being established for a while, we hadn't revisited our vision, mission, and business model. The fundamental questions about mission/vision/business model were challenging and required a deep understanding, so they were really useful.

What was the topic of your pitch/project presented at the Demo Day?

Our pitch focused on actively involving users in supporting the sustainability of hospitality facilities, using Sardex as a complementary currency. We incentivize users (B2C) to review facilities' sustainability on our platform, offering a virtual currency called Sardex. Users earn Sardex for reviews with photos, and we've introduced an innovative aspect: hospitality facilities wanting to innovate, like installing solar panels, can request user contributions in Sardex. Users can use their Sardex to support these causes. There's a fee for publication and consultancy.

What do you expect from the Hackathon?

We approach the Hackathon with a problem-solving and consultative mindset. We aim to identify non-perceived essential services, test new ideas, and advance a shared project to enhance our business model.

Thank you for the insightful information. We look forward to following Traveleco's journey and seeing how you continue to lead innovation in sustainable tourism through digitalization and community engagement. Good luck!

Meet the Digital Champions: Weforguest, elevating Hotel Performance

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 08:42:34 GMT

Meet the Digital Champions: Weforguest, elevating Hotel Performance

Weforguest , an innovative startup acclaimed as a Digital Champion within the EUDigiTOUR High-Growth Programme, is poised to make waves in the digital landscape. With a mission to revolutionize the hospitality industry, Weforguest has strategically positioned itself as a leading force in integrating cutting-edge technologies to elevate guest experiences and enhance hotel performance. The company's commitment to digital innovation has earned them a coveted spot as a Digital Champion in the EUDigiTOUR initiative. Weforguest is set to bring its expertise to the forefront at the upcoming Hackathon in Verona on March 25th, where they will showcase their prowess in driving high-impact solutions and pushing the boundaries of technological advancement in the realm of hospitality.

Welcome to We4guest! Could you start by telling us about your startup and how it integrates various sales, marketing, reputation, and data collection tools to enhance guest experiences and hotel performance?

Certainly! We4guest is a comprehensive platform that combines sales, marketing, reputation management, and data collection tools, all geared towards improving guest experiences and optimizing hotel performance.

What prompted your decision to participate in EUDIGITOUR?

The decision to participate in EUDigiTOUR was driven by two main motivations. Firstly, the opportunity for networking – connecting with networks and individuals, gaining insights from the startup community, and absorbing valuable advice and best practices. Secondly, the commitment to continuous learning. As a startup, staying in a mode of perpetual learning is essential. The international aspects, fresh methodologies, and new perspectives provided by the program were particularly appealing. Even though we had already explored many aspects as a startup, revisiting certain elements and incorporating feedback was crucial. The program allowed us to focus on employee learning, client communication, business development, and supplier relations.

Among the mentoring sessions in the program, which one was the most helpful for you?

The mentoring session that covered customer segmentation, buyer personas, pitching techniques, English language proficiency, and embracing new challenges was highly beneficial. It served as excellent training and addressed key aspects of our business development.

Could you share the main topic or project you presented during the Demo Day?

Our Demo Day pitch revolved around the practical application of semantic analysis for brand reputation. We emphasized that this approach is not just a trend but an ongoing focus for us. We are actively working on implementing this concept to bring about a tangible impact, aiming to reduce operational costs for hotels. Specifically, we are integrating this approach into our CRM system, creating a specific and concrete pathway for improvement.

Looking ahead to the Hackathon, what are your expectations and goals?

Our expectations for the Hackathon primarily revolve around networking opportunities and connecting with potential clients. We aim to leverage this event to establish valuable connections, both within the industry and with potential customers, ultimately contributing to the growth and success of We4guest.

Digital Tourism enabled by IoT and Smart Solutions

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 08:52:15 GMT

In the ever-evolving landscape of the tourism sector, technological advancements have ushered in a digital transformation. This transformation involves the conversion of traditional materials and processes into a digital format, redefining how we experience travel and explore new destinations. Among the technological marvels driving this change are Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality. However, at the heart of this transformation lies the Internet of Things (IoT), which holds immense potential to shape the future of tourism.

The Internet of Things: Bridging the Gap Between the Digital and Physical Worlds

The Internet of Things, often referred to as IoT, is the digital representation of real-world objects and environments on the internet. Real-world data is made available through sensors in real-time, while digital actuators can influence and control actions in the physical world through digital means. This technological marvel is shaping the future of the tourism industry in remarkable ways.

Smart Objects and Devices: Bridging the Digital Divide

IoT encompasses an array of smart objects and devices that are revolutionizing the way we experience tourism. Some noteworthy technologies include:

RFID Tags : Commonly used in transport, logistics, manufacturing, and access control, these tags offer real-time tracking capabilities.

NFC (Near Field Communication) : Similar to RFID, NFC technology is widely used in various applications.

Optical Tags : Leveraging visual technology for data transfer and interaction.

Bluetooth Applications (BEACON) : These transmitters emit radio signals at random intervals and are designed for data transmission.

IoT's Role in Tourism: Revolutionizing the Industry

IoT is not just a buzzword; it's a game-changer in the tourism sector, generating revenues that contribute to 10% of the world's GDP. The digitalization of tourism is a pivotal force in revitalizing the industry, enhancing tourist experiences, and managing destinations more efficiently. It serves as a conduit for real-time data analysis, driving a profound understanding of tourist behaviors.

Here are some key areas where IoT applications in tourism are making a difference:

Personalized Control : IoT allows for higher degrees of personalization in hotels and flights, from room temperature to entertainment preferences.

Seamless Travel : Streamlining the customer experience across all aspects of travel, making it as hassle-free as possible.

Intelligent Energy Saving : Using smart devices to optimize energy consumption.

Location Information : Providing real-time location data for tourists.

Customer Experience and Personalized Travel: Tailoring travel experiences to individual preferences.

Real-World Example: NADIA

NADIA, a real-world use case, exemplifies the power of IoT in the tourism sector. NADIA empowers hotel customers with an app or browser to control their room environment, including temperature and entertainment options. Hotel management gains control to efficiently manage facilities remotely. Additionally, NADIA's analytical capabilities provide insights into guest behavior and preferences, aiding hotel managers in offering personalized experiences.

Enhancing Tourist Attractions with IoT

Beyond hotel rooms and flights, IoT is enhancing tourist attractions and experiences. Visitors seek to consume products that are emotional and immersive, such as the "Be Memories" project in Spain, which creates smart points of interaction.

Other intriguing projects include:

Finding Free Parking Online in Dubrovnik : Reducing traffic congestion and enhancing the visitor experience.

Treasure Hunt in Bordeaux : A game offering fun and unusual routes to explore the natural and cultural heritage of different places.

Bordeaux Wine Tasting Pass : A pass to enjoy tastings from various appellations in Bordeaux.

Relocation Advisor : A service that helps citizens plan and execute relocations by providing data on amenities and quality of life factors.

Safe City Trip : A service that assists citizens in planning city trips based on specific needs, like traffic congestion and environmental factors.

Culture Key : A service providing an overview of the public cultural scene.

The integration of IoT in the tourism sector is a game-changer that promises enhanced tourist experiences, improved destination management, and a channel for efficient information exchange. As we embrace this digital transformation, we can look forward to more personalized and efficient travel experiences that will elevate the competitiveness of tourism destinations and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

Unlocking Innovation: EU DigiTOUR Hackathons for SMEs

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 08:39:42 GMT

The European Union's DigiTOUR project is set to create a dynamic platform for SMEs in the tourism sector to address their digital challenges head-on. Hackathons, at the core of this initiative, are poised to revolutionize how SMEs in the tourism sector in their respective NACE codes with digital competences can harness the power of innovation. In this blog post, we'll delve into the world of hackathons, understand their roles and approaches in the EU DigiTOUR, and explore how these high-energy events are poised to drive change and innovation in the SME landscape.

What are Hackathons?

A hackathon is a unique blend of creativity, innovation, and collaboration. It's a time-bound event where individuals from diverse backgrounds and skill sets converge to tackle specific problems or challenges. While hackathons are often associated with coding and software development, they extend far beyond programming. These events embrace a holistic problem-solving approach, making them inclusive and multidisciplinary.

Participants, often referred to as "hackers," form teams and work intensively to ideate, design, and develop solutions for predefined problem statements or project goals. These challenges span a wide range of fields, from technology and healthcare to environmental sustainability, social issues, finance, and more. The essence of a hackathon lies in its capacity to bring diverse skills and expertise to the table, fostering well-rounded problem-solving that merges creativity, technical proficiency, and domain knowledge.

The event typically spans a condensed timeframe, ranging from a few hours to several days, with some hackathons running for 36-48 hours nonstop. This short timeline encourages urgency, pushes creativity, and fuels rapid thinking. In essence, hackathons are innovation marathons on steroids.

At the end of the hackathon, participants present their solutions to a panel of judges, demonstrating deep problem analysis and innovative solutions. Teams are recognized and rewarded based on predefined criteria, which typically include creativity, feasibility, user experience, scalability, and overall innovation.

Hackathons in EU DigiTOUR

The primary goal of the EU DigiTOUR hackathon is to provide unique solutions to at least 45 SMEs in the tourism sector by collaborating with startups, students, and experienced mentors. The ultimate result is to select 30 SMEs as winners through an international jury, granting them vouchers and support to further develop their ideas in partnership with innovative startups.

Participants don't require specific knowledge to join a hackathon. SMEs need to be aware of the problems they aim to solve, while other participants may benefit from prior industry knowledge. Every participant brings specific competences to the table, contributing to a well-rounded problem-solving approach.

Winning SMEs will receive cascade funding, amounting to 10,000 euros, to further develop their hackathon ideas. All participating SMEs will gain deep insights into their proposed solutions, the opportunity for further collaboration with startups, and support from internal and external mentors.

The EU DigiTOUR hackathons are set to revolutionize the SME landscape in the tourism sector. These high-energy, collaborative events promise innovation, creativity, and meaningful problem-solving. With diverse teams and a multidisciplinary approach, SMEs can harness the power of hackathons to address digital challenges, drive change, and unlock the full potential of their businesses. It's time for SMEs to embrace the hackathon revolution and lead the way in the digital transformation of the tourism sector.

Get to know our team! Interview 4# Transformation Lighthouse

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 11:06:37 GMT

Transformation Lighthouse is a team of professional and crazy people who like technology and innovation, but strive towards a better society that will put people first. Let’s meet Martin Jarc, Transformation Alchimist of the company who will be in charge of creating Hackathons for the EU DigiTOUR Project.

Hello, Martin! Thank you for joining us today. Could you start by telling us a bit about yourself and Transformation Lighthouse?

Of course! I'm Martin, and I've been with Transformation Lighthouse for the past five years since 2013. Urška Jez, the founder of ABC accelerator, gave her energy to found this amazing reality! Our main focus is on business development programs that help companies transform their culture and change the way they approach things.

That sounds interesting. Could you provide some more details on the specific projects and initiatives that you work on?

Absolutely! One of our projects involves creating self-sufficient teams through hackathons, which serve as an entry point for innovation and change. It's like an innovation marathon! Over the weekend, we bring together individuals from different backgrounds, including startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and other industries, and allow them to collaborate and create.

That sounds like a great opportunity for startups and SMEs to work together. Can you tell us more about how hackathons play a role in your work?

Hackathons are a part of our daily business at Transformation Lighthouse. We organize hackathons to connect different sectors and facilitate learning from one another. Traditional companies can learn how to move fast in specific directions and be proactive when addressing new markets. We provide them with the opportunity to work with startups and learn how to incorporate elements of startup culture into their organizations. It's a way to join forces from both worlds.

During hackathons, we also involve students from high schools, introducing them to the job world and entrepreneurship. It serves as their first contact and encourages forward-thinking. We have seen successful projects built together through this approach.

Now, let's focus on the European project EUDigiTOUR. Can you explain its objectives and how it aims to benefit SMEs and startups?

As part of the European project EU DigiTOUR, we connect startups with SMEs to encourage collaboration and the development of new innovative solutions for digitalization programs. We start with a three to six-month program where we pump up brainstorming sessions and product ideas to form minimum viable products (MVPs). The aim is to test these MVPs in the market.

The main objective of EU DigiTOUR is to help SMEs with real design change problems by connecting them with startups and people who can find innovative solutions. We want to recognize around 75% of the challenges faced by SMEs and address them. At the same time, we allow startups to understand how they can improve and identify potential revenue points.

The role of SMEs in EU DigiTOUR is to guide participants in the direction they want to go, while startups offer different options and ways to achieve those goals. It's about diving deeper into the challenges and exploring how to overcome them. The project is active in Italy, Croatia/Slovenia, and Germany.

Finally, could you share the overall objectives of your work at EU DigiTOUR?

Our main objective is to empower teams to create products that solve the pain points of SMEs. We often start at the design stage and, once the funding is secured, help them progress to a more advanced level. The idea is to provide the initial support and financial resources to help SMEs take their first step and grow from there.

Thank you, Martin, for sharing such insightful information about Transformation Lighthouse at the European project EU DigiTOUR. It's clear that your work plays a significant role in fostering innovation and collaboration between startups and SMEs. We appreciate your time and wish you continued success with your endeavors.

Thank you for having me. It was my pleasure to share our work, and I hope it inspires others to embrace innovation and collaboration for positive change.

Embracing the Future: 5 Tech Trends Reshaping the Tourism Industry in 2023

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 10:13:11 GMT

The tourism industry has always been at the forefront of embracing technological advancements to enhance the travel experience. As we step into the second half of 2023, the convergence of technology and tourism continues to revolutionize the way we explore the world. From personalized recommendations to immersive experiences, the travel landscape is being transformed by cutting-edge innovations. We will dive into the top tech trends shaping the future of the tourism industry in 2023.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning have become integral components of the tourism industry, enabling personalized and tailored experiences for travelers. AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants are assisting travelers throughout their journey, from trip planning to real-time support. These intelligent systems can provide instant responses, offer suggestions based on individual preferences, and even handle bookings. Machine Learning algorithms are analyzing vast amounts of data to predict trends, optimize pricing, and improve customer satisfaction.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

AR and VR technologies are transforming the way travelers interact with their destinations. Through AR-enhanced mobile applications, tourists can access real-time information and immersive experiences, overlaying digital information on their physical surroundings. VR, on the other hand, allows travelers to explore and experience destinations virtually, making it easier to plan trips and make informed decisions. Hotels and travel agencies are utilizing VR to provide virtual tours, giving customers a taste of their offerings before they book.

Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things is making travel smarter and more convenient. IoT devices such as smart luggage, wearable tech, and connected hotel rooms are enhancing the overall travel experience. Smart luggage equipped with GPS tracking and digital locks ensures travelers' peace of mind, while wearable devices can provide real-time information about health and safety. Connected hotel rooms offer guests personalized experiences by adjusting temperature, lighting, and entertainment preferences based on individual preferences.

Blockchain Technology

Blockchain technology is revolutionizing the tourism industry by enhancing transparency, security, and trust. Smart contracts powered by blockchain enable secure and efficient transactions, eliminating the need for intermediaries. Travelers can make instant and secure payments, while suppliers can maintain an immutable record of transactions. Additionally, blockchain-based identity verification systems are simplifying the check-in process and reducing the risk of identity theft.

Sustainable Tourism Solutions

As sustainability becomes an increasingly important factor for travelers, technology is playing a vital role in promoting responsible tourism practices. Mobile applications and platforms are providing information about eco-friendly accommodations, sustainable activities, and carbon offset options. Additionally, AI-powered algorithms are optimizing travel routes, reducing carbon emissions, and minimizing the environmental impact of transportation.

The tourism industry is embracing a new era of innovation, fueled by cutting-edge technologies. In 2023, Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Internet of Things, Blockchain, and sustainable solutions are shaping the future of travel. These tech trends are revolutionizing the way we plan, book, and experience our journeys. As the industry continues to evolve, travelers can look forward to more personalized, immersive, and sustainable travel experiences, ensuring unforgettable adventures in the years to come.

EU Green Week Event - Tourism Skills for Digital and Green Transition

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 09:11:06 GMT

EU Green Week creates a space for meaningful discussions and debates surrounding EU environment policy. It invites participants to delve into the intricacies of environmental challenges, explore innovative solutions, and share knowledge and experiences. This opportunity is not just about understanding the policies, but also about celebrating the progress made in safeguarding our planet and fostering sustainable practices.

On this occasion, X23 Innovation Bakery is hosting a Partner Event on the 7th of June focused on Tourism , a remarkable moment for tourism professionals to enhance their skills and expertise in the areas of green, blue, and digital practices. With the ever-increasing demand for innovative and sustainable travel experiences, staying informed about the latest trends and embracing new skill sets has become crucial for businesses aiming to thrive in the tourism industry.

EU DigiTOUR project will take center stage and be actively involved in the event, particularly during the contribution of Associazione Startup Turismo, Project Communication Manager , that will delve into the interconnectedness of sustainability and digitalization in the tourism sector. It aims to equip future generations with the necessary skills and foster innovation within the industry.

The event will feature a series of keynote speeches, interactive sessions, and discussions led by experts in the field. Here is a breakdown of the agenda for the day: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/eu-green-week-tourism-skills-for-digital-and-green-transition-tickets-638731271427

Why Upskilling matters?

In today's rapidly evolving world, tourists are seeking unique and eco-conscious ways to explore the world. The traditional approach to tourism is no longer sufficient; travelers now desire memorable experiences that align with their values of environmental responsibility and conservation. To meet these changing demands, tourism professionals must equip themselves with the necessary tools and knowledge.

Green Skills

The concept of green skills encompasses a wide range of environmentally friendly practices that promote sustainability in the tourism sector. These skills include understanding and implementing renewable energy solutions, waste management, biodiversity preservation, sustainable transportation, and eco-friendly accommodation options. By acquiring green skills, tourism professionals can ensure that their offerings have a minimal ecological footprint while also attracting environmentally conscious travelers.

Blue Skills

Blue skills, on the other hand, are centered around the sustainable use and preservation of marine and coastal resources. With a significant portion of tourism activities taking place in coastal areas, it is crucial for professionals to be knowledgeable about marine conservation, responsible fishing practices, and the protection of fragile ecosystems. Embracing blue skills enables tourism operators to create experiences that showcase the beauty of the ocean while safeguarding its long-term health.

Digital Skills

The digital revolution has had a profound impact on the tourism industry. From online bookings to virtual tours, digitalization has transformed the way travelers plan, book, and experience their trips. By acquiring digital skills, tourism professionals can harness the power of technology to enhance customer experiences, optimize marketing strategies, and streamline operations. Digital skills include proficiency in social media management, data analytics, online marketing, and the use of emerging technologies such as augmented reality and virtual reality.

EU Green Week - unlocking opportunities

The EU Green Week is an unparalleled opportunity for tourism professionals to delve into these critical areas of green, blue, and digital skills. The event will bring together experts from the tourism sector who will share their insights and experiences, providing valuable guidance on how to incorporate sustainable practices into business operations. Attendees will gain access to the latest industry trends, innovative strategies, and success stories that highlight the benefits of embracing green, blue, and digital skills.

By participating, tourism professionals can network with like-minded individuals, exchange ideas, and collaborate on initiatives that drive sustainability and resilience in the industry. This event serves as a catalyst for innovation, encouraging participants to develop outstanding and disruptive offerings that meet the evolving demands of the market.

Limited spots are available , so don't miss out on this chance to participate in the EU Green Week Partner Event ! Register now using the link provided and embark on a transformative journey towards a sustainable and successful future in the tourism industry.

Get to know our team! Interview 3# ITKAM

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 07:45:05 GMT

ITKAM is the Italian Chamber of Commerce for Germany and Programme Enabler Manager for EU DigiTOUR. Sonia Barani and Matilde Paganini are definitely the soul of ITKAM European Project Management. Two smiling faces and a great deal of commitment and passion awaited me during the interview.

Let’s meet them!

How long have you been working on ITKAM? Can you tell us more about your role?

Matilde : I’ve been working for ITKAM as a Project Assistant for one and half years. ITKAM is a German-registered non-profit bilateral association and has three offices in Germany, Frankfurt am Main (Headquarter) Berlin and Leipzig (Regional Offices) as well as representative offices in Italy and Austria. I work from the Berlin office, while Sonia from the Leipzig office. My role is to strengthen economic relations between Italy and Germany and I’m focusing mainly on tourism, food, and education related to European Projects.

Sonia : I’ve been working at ITKAM for 5 years now as Project Manager for European Projects. As Matilde told you, as a non-profit organization based in Germany with representations in Italy and Austria, ITKAM is eligible as a German, Italian, and Austrian partner within various European funding programs. ITKAM has been helping Italian and German businesses to develop for over 110 years. We are accredited by MIUR (ministry of the Italian government for the national education system, the Italian universities and research) and we offer mobility opportunities such as Erasmus scholarships and internships. COSME and Erasmus projects are definitely a priority for ITKAM. My main areas are sustainability, tourism, and digitalization, as these are all important areas for growth and development. COSME and Erasmus projects are a priority for ITKAM.

What do you enjoy about working at ITKAM and what is the essence of your action?

Matilde : I enjoy the variety of responsibilities and the chance to work on different projects. I also appreciate the diversity of our team and the friendly working environment. A typical day involves checking the status of different ongoing projects and providing feedback to stakeholders. I communicate with people and companies directly and act as the first point of contact to meet their needs.

Sonia : I enjoy working with partners who come from different backgrounds and bring new perspectives to the table. It's exciting to move from one topic to the other and learn about different business opportunities. Over these 5 years, I've found that good communication with partners is essential to success. As a coordinator and partner, it's important to have strong coordination skills to ensure that projects run smoothly. We also prioritize training and coaching to ensure that we are always improving and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies.

How does ITKAM support startups in the tourism industry and which kind of businesses are you in contact with?

Matilde : We provide financial support, knowledge, and access to funding opportunities to help startups develop their ideas further. We also offer expert mentoring to integrate technology into their daily lives and enhance their potential.

Sonia : The startups applying are businesses in the tourism industry that have already begun using technology in some way, such as travel agencies. Additionally, there are startups that have developed an idea and need further development and financial assistance to bring their ideas to life.

What kind of business development services does ITKAM offer?

Matilde : For years, we have been both a consolidated partner and consortium coordinators for projects and initiatives in the field of European cooperation.

Sonia : We provide a comprehensive approach to business development, starting from the product to the market, and we help clients with their customer approach and internationalization. Our networking and mentoring programs are some of the services that we offer to help businesses grow.

Can you tell us something about EUDigiTOUR?

Matilde : EU Digitour is my first European project focusing on tourism digitalization. Currently, I’m involved in other initiatives aimed at increasing tourism in rural areas. This European Project is something special because it brings together different countries and organizations to work towards a common goal.

Sonia : As Matilde said, it fosters cooperation across borders, which can lead to new ideas and innovative solutions. Additionally, EU DigiTOUR provides funding opportunities, which can help businesses and organizations to develop and grow. Overall, the European Projects and EUDigiTOUR are a unique and valuable initiative that promotes collaboration, innovation, and progress.

Thank you for your time, Matilde and Sonia!

Digital Insight 1#: Artificial Intelligence, ChatGPT and its ethical issues

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 08:18:34 GMT

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is exerting an ever-expanding influence on our lives. From smartphones equipped with facial recognition systems to semi-automatic cars and voice-command responsive devices, we are increasingly surrounded by sophisticated computing tools with sensors that interact with the world in complex ways. Over the past year, the field of AI has witnessed a surge in new developments, and ChatGPT has captured the imagination of many. People are now using AI-assisted tools on a daily basis, and the capabilities of these tools are rapidly improving.

What is Artificial Intelligence

Despite its complexity as a technology, the concept behind Artificial Intelligence (AI) is quite simple: to develop machines with autonomous learning and adaptive capabilities inspired by human learning models.

In short, AI is a historically and scientifically rich topic that reflects humans' innate desire to create machines that reflect their abilities.

Artificial Intelligence Applications

Chatbots

Chatbots are one of the most widely adopted Artificial Intelligence applications in the market, These tools provide 24/7 assistance to customers and employees and can be used in various fields, including marketing, sales support, HR management, home automation, and even research and development.

Natural Language Processing (NLP)

The objective of NLP techniques is to develop systems that enable effective communication and understanding between humans and machines. NLP is primarily concerned with processing textual data, which encompasses any sequence of words in a language that conveys one or more messages (including web pages, posts, tweets, and corporate information).

Computer vision

Computer Vision involves the study of algorithms and techniques that enable computers to gain a high-level understanding of the content of images or videos. In recent years, significant advancements have been made in this field, with solutions based on statistical descriptions of images being gradually replaced by neural networks trained on millions of images.

Intelligent Data Processing

Intelligent Data Processing solutions have the broadest range of applications, utilizing Artificial Intelligence algorithms to extract valuable insights from both structured and unstructured data. These solutions are primarily employed for purposes such as forecasting and classification & clustering, making them indispensable tools for companies seeking to leverage the full potential of their data.

Recommendation systems

Recommendation algorithms have become the cornerstone of business models for social and eCommerce platforms worldwide, including household names such as Amazon, Netflix, and Spotify. These digital services rely on algorithms that track user actions and leverage machine learning to understand their preferences. As users continue to engage with the platform, these algorithms become increasingly adept at producing accurate recommendations tailored to their unique tastes.

Physical Solutions

There are three key categories to consider: autonomous vehicles (self-driving vehicles), autonomous robots (robots capable of moving without human intervention), and intelligent objects (objects capable of taking actions and making decisions based on the conditions of the surrounding environment).

Artificial intelligence Ethical Implications
The ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence can be divided into two main categories:

Implications arising from the design choices made by developers:

Bias: the unintentional distortion of data and/or algorithms, or the introduction of biases by developers or users.
Black Tech: the creation of systems specifically for malevolent purposes.
Fairness: the acquisition of an unfair advantage over users of technology.
Privacy: the failure to comply with regulations on personal data processing, user monitoring, and profiling.
Transparency: the lack of transparency in the decision-making processes that underpin artificial intelligence systems.

Implications that directly affect individuals, society, and the economic-political system:

Equality: the potential for inequality in terms of accessibility to technology, and the elimination of discrimination.
Freedom: the potential for limitations on individual freedoms and rights, such as freedom of thought, expression, self-determination, and the right to be forgotten, as well as collective freedoms.
Jobs: the implications for individual workers and the evolution of the labor market due to the increasing automation of certain tasks.
Psychology: the potential threat to the mental and emotional well-being of users.
Sustainability: the excessive use of environmental resources.
Trust: the centralization of economic-financial resources, assets, and technological know-how.

Moreover, the age-old debate of man versus machine persists, with numerous ethical and legal issues surrounding Artificial Intelligence. Furthermore, there is uncertainty about the impact of AI on our society and job market. Many are questioning whether this technology represents a threat or an opportunity, and whether machines will ultimately replace humans. There are also concerns about whether artificial systems will surpass human intelligence and capabilities.

So are we moving too fast? Are we driving too recklessly toward AI without proper security protocols?

ChatGPT Case Study

ChatGPT is the new AI system developed by the OpenAI foundation (founded by Elon Musk): a language model designed to support real conversations with humans using its machine learning system. The acronym stands for "Generative Pre-trained Transformer," which is a machine learning language model that makes interaction and communication intuitive, automatic, and nearly human-like in quality. It is based on a neural network that has been trained on a vast database of content derived from books, websites, and articles.

The result is a conversational tool that processes natural language in a versatile manner, using machine learning algorithms to create responses, much like humans do in a conversation. It's pretty incredible, isn't it?

The situation is so remarkable, leading to GPT-4, that a call has been made to halt AI development for six months. Elon Musk, DeepMind researchers, and other AI experts are advocating for a moratorium to establish common rules and protections against the most harmful consequences.

In conjunction with them, a thousand other scientists, executives, and experts have signed an open letter published by the Future of Life Institute. "Recent months have seen AI labs locked in an out-of-control race to develop and deploy ever more powerful digital minds that no one – not even their creators – can understand, predict, or reliably control," warn the letter.

So stay updated, this is a really important turning point in order to understand how technology will develop in the future. Using AI can be a real added value, as long as it is supervised and regulated. In our small way. It should be seen as a tool for support rather than a replacement.

Therefore, it is essential to take the necessary precautions to understand, monitor, and mitigate the margin of error of such a powerful tool. Technology has the potential to increase efficiency, personalization, and multilingual capabilities, but it is important to consider its limits and ethical implications through our expertise.

Get to know our team! Interview 2# Associazione Startup Turismo

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 12:30:02 GMT

Flavio Tagliabue is the enthusiast Secretary and Co-founder of Associazione Startup Turismo , as well as advisor and partner of several startups. You can tell it by talking to him: he knows what’s what when it comes to the startup ecosystem and its rules!

Associazione Startup Turismo was founded in 2013 as the leading “voice” of tourism startups in Italy, with more than 130 associates working to innovate the travel and digital culture landscape through the startup lens. “We are the link between traditional entrepreneurs, public sector and the innovation world: only like this we can work to make the tourism sector competitive, in step with the times and the needs of the tourist”, says Flavio.

Let’s meet him personally with this inspiring interview!

Why did you choose to establish a vertical association focused on tourism, given the existence of numerous other associations representing the startup ecosystem in Italy?

The tourism sector is a vast and continuously expanding market that offers abundant opportunities for innovative startups. Moreover, the distinct challenges and prospects within the tourism industry need specialized attention and expertise.

Although there are already various associations representing the startup ecosystem in Italy, a novel vertical association focusing on tourism presents a distinctive viewpoint regarding the particular requirements of tourism startups and provides tailored assistance and resources for these enterprises.

Your experience goes back more than 10 years in this sector, what do you think is lacking specifically in the Italian market?

There are still numerous opportunities for innovative and technological startups within the Italian tourism market. In particular, there are several areas where the Italian tourism industry could benefit significantly from the startup ecosystem. These include:

Technological innovation : The Italian tourism sector could benefit from creative technological solutions that enhance the tourist experience. For instance, mobile applications, online booking platforms, operational management technologies, and data collection tools that track tourist preferences could be developed.
Sustainability : There is an increasing demand among tourists for sustainable and eco-friendly travel experiences. Startups that offer sustainability solutions in the tourism sector, such as sustainable mobility services and eco-friendly accommodations, can meet this strong consumer demand.
Marketing and distribution : Innovative startups can help tourism businesses enhance their online presence and attract new customers through digital marketing tools and new distribution strategies.
Authentic experiences : Tourists are increasingly seeking personalized and authentic travel experiences that go beyond traditional tourist circuits. Startups that offer personalized and authentic travel experiences can meet this growing demand.

What is the most significant challenge that you have encountered when working with traditional and corporate entities to transition towards digitization and new technological tools?

I find it surprising that many traditional companies within this particular sector, such as tour operators, mobility companies, DMCs, and DMOs, do not recognize the importance of collaborating closely with technology developers and startups that are developing new services. By partnering with startups, they can immediately access research and development activities and stay ahead of the curve by anticipating the latest solutions. This would allow them to remain competitive in the market rather than constantly playing catch-up. Italy has always been renowned for its inventors and poets, and it is disappointing to see that we seem to have lost this feature in some respects.

As an association, how are you supporting collaborations between startups and traditional companies?

To foster cooperation on a European scale, we have partnered with the EU DigiTOUR project , which provides national and international experts and mentors in VR/AR, AI, IoT, and Big Data. The EUdigiTOUR Project aims to assist the EU tourism SMEs in realizing the potential of digital technology by strengthening collaboration in the tourism ecosystem and developing innovative and smart tourism solutions.

During our event schedule at TTG and BIT in Milan, we presented the EU DigiTOUR project, which received an excellent response. The Call for Tourism Startups closed on February 15 ahd it was a blast, we received totally 68 applications, with Italy having the most sign-ups ! And the best is yet to come. Now the external experts are evaluating the applications, I can’t disclose more. So, stay tuned!

Thank you Flavio, and good luck on your commitment!

Get to know our team! Interview 1# X23 The Innovation Bakery

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 12:25:59 GMT

From this interview, you’ll be enlightened by one thing: the cross-border human power of innovating and connecting minds. Marika Mazzi Boém, co-founder & Innovation Strategy Director at X23 Srl The Innovation Bakery combines in-depth business strategy and a farsighted international expertise.

She is the mind behind the EUDigiTOUR project and official coordinator. Let’s meet her!

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you came to co-found X23 Srl The Innovation Bakery?

I have been active in this field for 25 years, starting very young at 19 with an American multinational advertising company. I worked mainly with global clients, focusing on marketing, digital strategy, and business strategy. After years of experience, I wanted to do something of my own.

My path crossed with Giuseppe Laquidara, and our two realities merged - my industry-oriented one and Giuseppe's research-oriented one. Two souls, 20 years ago. X23 The Innovation Bakery was born.

X23's focus is on innovation : we want to make innovative ideas flourish. We are inspired and driven by “collaborative innovation” thus fostering knowledge transfer, capacity building and resilience. European projects are definitely our showpiece . In European planning, action research activity is linked to scouting business opportunities. We write about topics related to our mission and vision: sustainable development goals appear to be the common thread. So, at the same time, our main emphasis is on creating and implementing new ideas that address social innovation .

You designed the EU DigiTOUR project first-hand, can you tell us more about this and your role as official coordinator?

There are no easier paths to follow when you write a project and build a consortium: you design it not only based on what you are writing, but skills and European cooperation are at the heart of everything you do. It is our flagship project. As coordinator role, we have to be good at negotiation skills to overcome cultural clash mindsets within the great European melting pot.

Digital technologies are pivotal for the tourism industry, especially post-COVID19. EU DigiTOUR project is really all about technological assets , aiming at supporting the digital transition of European tourism SMEs. The scheme was designed to help shape the next generation EU tourism SMEs in the digital realm, leading to new, innovative, and smart tourism solutions and business models by the use of AI, IoT, VR and AR, and big data.

Now we are entering the High-Growth Programme stage: we are evaluating deep tech companies that will access our acceleration journey, getting mentoring and coaching and the chance to secure up to EUR 10K. So stay tuned!

What is the uniqueness behind this acceleration programme?

For this project we split our focus on two enablers: innovative tourism companies which can be game-changing in the industry and the High-Growth Programme which helps innovators overcome the lack of funding, provide technical coaching, and resources. The other innovative side is going to be delivered in the hackathons , a productive collaboration among students and people in the field, leading to more realistic innovation. We bring together digital champions who already have solutions and put SMEs at the center of the innovation, with students, researchers, policymakers, and anyone who wants to contribute. New perspectives can arise from this confrontation. We create teams experimenting cross-thematic solutions, creating a hotbed of new, thriving innovations.

EU DigiTOUR as all your European projects is only a starting point to create something bigger: can you give us more insights about how projects are evolving?

This first one and half year of hard work and dedication are a testament to what can be accomplished when we come together to make a difference. We are witnessing the EU DigiTOUR network keep on growing into a big community where tourism professionals, innovative businesses and digital enthusiasts gather and use their voice to make tourism flourish.

But as you said, our work doesn’t end here. Our plan is to write and implement something that makes sense with lasting results, with the goal of 80% of the projects continuing after the pilot phase. We are already sowing the seeds for this now. We want to set a course for a paradigm shift that will last and develop in the long-term. It can be achieved only with forward-thinking partners and stakeholders!

Thank you Marika and good luck on your ambitious endeavors!

Call for Innovative Tourism Startups and SMEs - Last days to apply for the High-Growth Programme!

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 09:26:13 GMT

Are you a SME or a tourism startup (but also travel agency, TO or hotel owner, camping) and want to be part of a free training session with national and international experts and mentors in VR/AR, AI, iOT and BigData?

Do you want to put this training into "practice" right away with a €10,000 economic voucher?

Last Days to apply for the EU DigiTOUR High-Growth Programme!

What is it all about?

EU DigiTOUR High-Growth Programme is tailored for the innovative tourism SMEs, providing technical support to incubate and accelerate the business growth! The 3-month programme is a great opportunity for you to work with forward-thinking people, changing the game in the tourism sector.

Let’s dive into it:

#WHAT

A three-month coaching and mentoring program, totally free of charge.

Bridge the gap in digital technology adoption
Expand your network with professionals working, at a European level, with the best technologies for tourism
“Incubate” and accelerate your business by receiving micro-finance of up to €10,000!

Our pool of External Experts are going to select emerging ideas and already established startups, choosing 30 out of 45 winning businesses.

#WHO

Deep-tech tourism startups and SMEs can join as champions in the key enabling digital techs.

Who can apply?

1. SMEs based in

Italy
Germany
Croatia
Slovenia

2. Legally established tourism startups and their main economic activity is in the Tourism sector as reflected in their NACE codes (I55* and N79):

Hotels and similar accommodation (Nace code: I5510)
Holiday and other short-stay accommodation (Nace code: I5520)
Camping grounds, recreational vehicle parks and trailer parks (Nace code: I5530)
Travel agency, tour operator reservation service and related activities (Nace code: N79*)

#WHEN

The Application will close on the 15th of February 2023, at 5pm CET. So last days to apply!

#HOW

Visit our webpage for all further details: https://eudigitour.eu/high-growth-programmef08925f3

Apply here: https://x23eupro.grantplatform.com/

EU DigiTOUR BIT Travel Exhibition in Milan

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 09:21:32 GMT

The New Era of Tourism and Funding Opportunity for Innovative Tourism Business

EU DigiTOUR, an EU co-funded project aiming at boosting the digital development, in the tourism sector will be presented in the BIT Fair in Milan on the 12th of February 11.30 CET in Sala Coral 1.

BIT Travel Exhibition is one of the most important international tourism exhibitions in Italy. It allows businesses, professionals, and also projects focusing on the tourism field to showcase their ideas and to find new opportunities for business or networking. It is the only one that connects the world of industry professionals in a totally b2b context, but at the same time offers the opportunity for professionals to meet travelers directly.

EU DigiTOUR, as a project with a clear and strong ambition of boosting digital development in the tourism sector, will be presented in the BIT Fair on the 12th of February.

“I nuovi strumenti che cambieranno per sempre i viaggi: turismo 4.0 e realtà aumentata” - in English: the new tools that will change travel forever: tourism 4.0 and augmented reality will exactly focus on bringing innovation to the travel industry.

After a practical example of Augmented Reality solution, the General Secretary of Associazione Startup Turismo, Flavio Tagliabue will be presenting the EU DigiTOUR High-Growth Programme for innovative tourism startups and SMEs that implement one of the four deep technologies in their business - AI; AR/VR; IoT; and Big Data. The High-Growth Programme is targeting the tourism innovative SMEs based in Italy, Germany, Slovenia, and Croatia. The project will provide the companies funding opportunities, and also coaching and training courses with experts. Shari Chudoba, EU DigiTOUR Communication Manager will moderate the event.

Don’t miss this opportunity: the High-Growth Programme is accepting applications until the 15th of February 17.00 CET. The project will select 45 companies for the first phase of the Programme, where the scale-up; incubation programmes will be carried out; then at the end, 30 Digital Champions will be selected and awarded €10000 of voucher*.

The High-Growth Programme is also a ticket for the winning innovative companies to enter the Hackathon. Being paired with a traditional tourism company and helping them digitalize.

The event will be fully in Italian. So if you are an Italian company that is triggered by the opportunity, check it out

*Check out more information on the eligibility for funds here-

Midterm Meeting in Slovenia to kick off the new year!

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 10:56:39 GMT

On Dec. 12 and 13 2022 EU DigiTOUR partners met in person, for the first time, to set goals and course for 2023 . It was an exciting meeting organized by the partner Transformation Lighthouse in the scenic setting of snowy Slovenia, its Christmas markets and charming countryside.

In our digital world, connection seems to be a click away. But the power of human interaction has encouraged us to innovate and think out of the box. Brainstorming, networking, team-building helped us shape the next digital tools for tourism startups and SMEs. What we have achieved, what we can do for 2023 and how we can do it better were questions that guided our event.

First day - From building skills to enable digital transformation

On the first day, we met in the breathtaking Slovenian countryside at Grad Prestranek (Prestranek Castle). Surrounded by meadows and forests, this estate boasts one of the largest riding stables in Slovenia. We had the chance to enjoy an Icelandic horse riding session and taste the house specialty: organic Angus beef!

Fun aside, partners’ working day was really productive to sum up the results achieved during the Capacity Building Programme . This was EU DigiTOUR's first step to expand digital know-how and transfer skills in the industry. We closed the Academy with satisfaction:

4 Experimental Classes with 68 participants;
21 one-to-one Mentoring Sessions connecting 28 Mentors with their Mentees;
4 groups of Masterclasses and Workshops with 66 participants.

The focus shifted to the second part of the EU DigiTOUR project: the High-Growth Programme . The Programme starts with the opening of the Call for Innovative SMEs , which was launched in November and will close in February. The call is going to select businesses as key champions in enabling digital transformation in the sector. Selected startups and SMEs will be guided along an innovation path with Mentors and Experts.

As you can see from the brainstorming, every partner had to find 3 adjectives to describe in easy words the value of the programme. It is a one-off opportunity for businesses:

To access micro-funding opportunities (10k at the end of the programme with vouchers);
To unlock further business opportunities based on their new knowledge, networks, access to key markets;
To join the hackathons in the third part of EU DigiTOUR Project.

In order to raise awareness on this opportunity, partners in Italy, Slovenia, Croatia and Germany will schedule info-days and Q&A sessions to address every answer and go into detail.

Please find here the first dates for Italy with the Zoom links, stay tuned for the others.

Jan 24, 2023 11:00 - 12:30 a.m - Info-day Event

Feb 2, 2023 11:00 - 12:30 a.m - Q&A session

Feb 9, 2023 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. - Q&A session

Second day - co-design digital transformation

The second day, we worked in a thriving and inspiring startup co-working space in Ljubljana to boost our creativity and mindset. Katapult is the place where advanced technological knowledge meets entrepreneurship and the drive for innovative businesses.

There is no doubt that technology and travel are a perfect combination. This union carries a lot of weight in influencing the way people travel - from choosing a destination, to considering what we can do once they are on site, and even to what they can do once they’re back. But a lot of SMEs are still lagging behind. That’s why EU DigiTOUR is pioneering this shift at a European level.

This is the value of our Programme that will end with the Hackathons . Hackathons are competitions in which experts and startups collaborate to develop new business ideas in a very short time. Each SME has to select 3 transformation challenges and then working groups will be created to co-design a product. The vouchers are there for the tourism SMEs to continue their innovation process after the event!

Subscribe to EU DigiTOUR newsletter to stay tuned on upcoming events and initiatives!

Destinations towards Digital Innovation. Let’s meet Giacomo Andreani, CEO at Expirit

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 12:07:08 GMT

How to turn tourism destinations into digitally-native innovation grounds ? Yes, technological creativity can be a real game changer only if shared and integrated into a community. I had the opportunity to have a word about this with Giacomo Andreani, CEO and founder of Expirit who addressed EUDigitTOUR to find constructive and fruitful mentorship for his destination projects.

Would you like to tell us about the goal and mission of Expirit?

Expirit works to " build destinations ". We design unprecedented experiences for travelers and promote the beauty of Italy's lesser-known communities. Expirit aims at acting as a real driver for rebirth and development, triggering virtuous paths and initiatives.

“A place that turns into Destination. A journey that turns into an Experience” says your pay-off. How is innovation involved in this path?

Expirit path towards innovation is encompassed into 3 keywords:

Visions
Creativity
Practical application

Research and constant outlook for the future are our core values. We work in partnership with local authorities, tour operators, experience providers and accommodation facilities to enhance destination identity. So we have to bring innovation first to share the story that our destinations have to tell. That’s why I got to know EUDigiTOUR, an excellent accelerator when it comes to building up innovation skills.

How can EUDigiTOUR support Destination Management?

EUDigitTOUR is a golden opportunity to lead tourism businesses towards digital transformation. It’s our priority to upgrade, to get on the crest of innovation. Innovation in the tourism industry is not fully valued as in other markets for two reasons:

Tourism experiences are possible with strong human relationships
Destination initiatives are not always linked with assessable scalability

Huge disruptive investments (metaverse, AI, AR) are only starting to be explored in our field. So tourism professionals need to be clear about the outcomes and the challenges towards their network.

What implications: can you give us examples?

Technology applied to tourism destinations leads to creative outcomes , as we can see for example for the trend of digital nomads, on which we have been working for years. In Deruta we are trying to bring together master craftsmen, designers and creative artists. Deruta is a village counting 9,000 inhabitants and encloses hundreds of workshops, which manufacture high-quality ceramics. The peaceful setting, along with the hospitality of its citizens, are indeed inspiring many artists to move to Deruta. We are committed to the creating an art-friendly destination, where artists can spend a period of time in the town, and be provided with the most adequate spaces and technology, in exchange for exhibitions and events open to the public.

So what are the main benefits of Digitalization and some challenges too?

Digitalization, combined with the strategic role of data, allows us to:

explore travel trends;
promote destinations in a targeted way, to the right audience, in the right place and at the right time, potentially reaching everyone;
manage long-term relationships with our guests;
design immersive experiences;
optimize the management of internal processes, in terms of an evidence-based governance.

Our job is to lead destinations to maturing stages of digital culture . Unfortunately, too often we witness frantic rushes to "digitize" that cause more harm than good.

The main challenge is indeed to choose technology not only for mere technology but technology at the service of our communities .

What would you like to say to others who (like you) dream big?

Our dream is to go further, take the next step: I love thinking of Expirit as a digital destination company striving for digital change, for a purpose. We innovate for good.

In a nutshell, our action plan is made of three levels: TO DO, TO MANAGE, TO WISH!

“ The branches don't think much about the roots, and maybe the roots don't think much about the branches, but all the time, they're connected by the trunk, you know? ”

Thank you for your inspiring contribution!

Cultural Heritage and Digital Technologies. A journey through EUDigiTour Mentorship session

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 12:00:53 GMT

Cultural heritage is evolving fast thanks to digital technologies. The momentum is to preserve cultural legacy and guide it to the digital decade. Read the interview between Mentor and Mentee on a mentoring session.

[Interview with Mentor Ivona Gudelj and Mentee Startup Hi.Stories]

Cultural heritage is evolving fast thanks to digital technologies. The momentum is to preserve cultural legacy and guide it to the digital decade.

In the cultural world, we have witnessed unprecedented opportunities that technologies can trigger. 3D and AI can bring cultural heritages sites back to life again, virtual museum paths can lead the users to see and experience works of art and architecture masterpieces which are not accessible to the public.

We’ve been talking about these breakthroughs with Luna Meli, co-founder of a cutting-edge Italian startup Hi.Stories who took part into EUDigiTOUR mentorship program. Its mentor Ivona Gudelj Conversational AI expert at CDI Services , joined the conversation and explained to us how this initiative could be pivotal to foster digitalization in the tourism sector.

Let’s meet them!

Mentee

Hi.Stories is an innovative startup focused on integrating digital technologies in the Italian cultural heritage. The company was established following the application for the Cultura Crea Call. The co-funded project is "Sicily Histories," a mobile application available for iOS and Android released on store in July 2018. The app enhances the Sicilian territory and its historical and artistic heritage through gamification and storytelling.

In addition to the Sicily project, Hi.Stories also offers 3D modeling and printing services, webapp creation, virtual tours, design and cultural and museum consulting.

The startup was founded by Riccardo Bonina, CEO and co-founder Luna Meli, both focused on the cultural promotion of Sicilian heritage. Luna was also speaker at TEDx Catania, where she introduced digital as a means of promoting culture among young people.

Mentor

Ivona Gudelj is a Conversational AI expert at CDI Services. Her mission is to ensure that everything from the brand, tone of voice, design flows and interactions, enable enterprises to create transformational customer experiences. She's passionate about overcoming challenges for the benefit of customers and society and committed to helping others to unleash their potential and grow.

CDI Services is a global conversational AI strategy and delivery firm that creates state-of-the-art AI assistants. Our consultants can develop a clear strategy with a strong underlying business case, upskill a team through hands-on training and certification, or simply design, build, and optimize chat and voice solutions.

[Question to Luna - Hi.Stories]

After this inspiring introduction, what expectations were linked to the mentoring session?

As startup we have the constant need to think out of the box, also beyond our Italian borders and strive for innovation. We keep updated with market research papers in our industry but having the opportunity to talk directly to someone and address our thoughts and doubts was pivotal to us. Ivona provided us with the human touch that is needed when talking about digital technologies and at the same time delivering best practices and recommendations. A kind of “compass” to move our projects forward.

What are your main goals for the future?

Our main objective is to expand our business model and consolidate our brand awareness. Working in the cultural heritage industry, we normally get in touch with public authorities. We are applying digital technologies, which in our field is something still overlooked and not properly valued, so we need to be trustworthy and gain authority to become the leading cultural heritage startup to foster digitalization.

[Question to Ivona - CDI Services]

How did you meet EUDigiTOUR - what are the main pros related to organizing mentoring sessions?

I’ve got to know EUDigiTOUR through the Association Croai AI. It’s really mind-blowing to meet all tourism SMEs to get in touch together, explore their issues and provide solutions to their challenges. Especially in the AI field related to conversation and to improve their services across Europe.

What was the main outcome of the mentoring session?

Our session covered the topic Conversational AI in-depth, and then we went through real market examples and some of the key challenges to improve products in the future.

We explored business opportunities in the indoor and outdoor Attractions , and apps that exploit automation power and design principles which are at the base of conversational AI.

The channel Google Business Message and Apple Business Chat with a simple sensor interface opens up different opportunities in the promotion of cultural heritage. It can be placed at a museum location, in retail shops and when you are exploring locations on the map, you can see a pop-up chat and get in touch with the museum. You can combine it then with augmented reality.

[Question to both Mentor and Mentee]

What could be the impact of digitalization in the cultural heritage (and in tourism) in the future?

Mentor

The impact could be huge especially in the tourism industry across the other ones, the formula is combining digital transformation players and tools in the right way. To this extent, SMEs and startups are the main lifeblood of this change. That’s why connection is meaningful and resources can be indeed shared. It broadens up whole new perspectives, and I’m happy to be part of it!

Mentee

We will definitely follow the suggestions arisen from the mentoring session, especially related to Google Business Chat. For our clients, creating a communication flow in distance is paramount. Startups are important to engage and create endless opportunities. In the future digitalization will help us to address more and more cultural providers and the hospitality sector.

Thank you for the fruitful exchange!

EU DigiTOUR presented in Mediterranean Exchange of Archaeological Tourism Fair

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 10:40:46 GMT

EU DigiTOUR was presented in the Mediterranean Exchange of Archaeological Tourism Fair, where the tourism SMEs and startups, professionals, and students attended. The three day fair is an opportunity to discover new destinations that may represent something original and unusual.

The EU DigiTOUR was presented in 2 sections during the 2nd day of the event:

Digital Transformation: The Best of Digital Technologies for Tourism
Digital Tourism Interaction: Mentoring, Workshop, and Mini-hackathon for the tourism sector

On 28th October, the session Digital Transformation: The Best of Digital Technologies for Tourism kicked off with the welcoming speech of Giuseppe Laquidara, PhD, Ninety-nine DOS from X23 - The Innovation Bakery . Then the project coordinator of the EU DigiTOUR Marika Mazzi Boém, EBA introduced the EU DigiTOUR project, focusing on the topic of digital transformation in the tourism sector and opportunities for SMEs and startups such as the capacity building programme celebrated in September/October 2022, and the upcoming High-Growth Programme, where the tourism startups specialising in deep tech attend the incubation programme and having the opportunity to receive micro-funding. And the final activity of the project- the Hackathon, where the tourism SMEs have the opportunity to receive assistance and micro funding on their digital transformation. Then Flavio Tagliabue from Associazione Startup Turismo introduced the current situation of the startups in the tourism sector in Italy. The session was a success with a passionate and engaging audience.

The second session of the programme- Digital Tourism Interaction: Mentoring, Workshop, and Mini-hackathon for the tourism sector , is more focused on a practical aspect. Kicking off the session with introduction of AI in the tourism sector, the speakers Enrico Piscopiello and Andrea Pinto introduced the implementation costs and case studies in the tourism AI and algorithm.

Then the workshop of AR/VR by Maja Pokric from ARVRtech continued the interest and engagement of the audience with AR/VR introduction and try on, giving the participants opportunity to be immersed in the virtual reality world. The last event on the agenda is the mini-hackathon held by Urška Jež from Transformation Lighthouse , providing the audience an insight and opportunity to get engaged in the session by having some first hand experience.

All in all, it was a great honour and pleasure for EU DigiTOUR to be presented in such a great event with a passionate audience!

Check out more about the High-Growth Programme, which is about to start soon!

Want to learn more about the Mediterranean Exchange of Archaeological Tourism Fair? Check out the website!

Digital Transformation and its pivotal role in the Tourism Industry

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 13:17:12 GMT

The tourism industry is in the reckoning for Digital Transformation , a concept that is disruptively shaping every business in of the industry.

The Covid-19 pandemic was the spark for us all: how can we face modern issues with modern solutions? The transition from human contact (still important) to a more virtual reality has physiologically set the stage for new habits and behaviors. In the case of our industry it led to the rise of online bookings, digital communication and contactless solutions. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, companies tried to reinvent in-person work by transforming it into agile remote work, and constantly work on new digital collaborations to keep productivity high and avoid isolation.

One clear signal is emerging: the travel industry is embracing Digital Transformation, a new philosophy that places digital practices first through IT tools and software but also through an inclination to promote these practices in business operations by training every team. But Digital Shift comes with great challenges. What are they? Do we consider these changes long lasting or temporary? How can synergies and partnerships among industry players raise awareness toward this issue?

Let's find out together.

What is Digital Transformation?

Digital Tourism refers to all technological tools used to organize, manage and enable travel experiences. Digital tourism cuts across Digital Transformation, which is instead a process that aims to translate some practices and habits originally managed offline into the online world.

This concept is gaining momentum within industry research and studies as the main driver of the future of tourism. In fact, Digital Transformation can help businesses in several ways:

Deliver experiences that satisfy travelers in their communication, purchase and preferences through digital means;
Accelerate the digitization of products and services, making it easier to promote, distribute and sell them;
Increase the opportunity for tourism companies to adapt to hybrid business models, changing demand and a new competitive landscape;
Support business operations with analysis and forecasting, providing new insights into strategies and facilitating decision-making;
Run a business more efficiently and profitably, to do more with less, reduce costs, and find new sources of revenue;
Keep up with competitors and mitigate structural changes in the economic and geopolitical environment, which almost always cannot be predicted and influenced;

The impact of 2020 on Digital Transformation

The acceleration of Digital Transformation has been one of the most obvious consequences of the pandemic. According to McKinsey research , Covid-19 accelerated digitization efforts across all sectors by at least 7 years. Digitization was certainly already a hot topic before 2020, but now it is a priority not only to survive, but also to thrive. Travel companies are required to migrate from a manual sales experience to automation, apps, and touchless tools, keeping the “human touch” in the forefront.

Source: Skift

But has the industry kept up with this change? Will this investment priority be consolidated in the future?

The will to adapt to th is transformation is there, and it is strong, but there is also a gap between this will and the practicality of implementing the processes in practice. As the chart below shows, efforts are being made to keep up, but there is still room for improvement. In 2022 Travel leaders were vastly more confident in 2022 that they’re making progress on digital transformation initiatives than in 2021.

Source: Skift

The role of Technology along the Customer Experience

The travel industry needs to engage their travelers to be successful. Companies must constantly look for new ways to satisfy their customers and keep them coming back. But that's not enough, they need to adapt to customer expectations, which vary by historical period, to deliver safe and fulfilling experiences. Digital Transformation is functional to the customer experience and is not just about booking a particular service online, it goes far beyond that. It goes through 4 main stages:

In the pre-booking phase, Nielsen's research found that 70 percent of people are inspired by online content and reviews from other users, which are considered more objective and reliable than other sources. In one sense, Internet has taken over that word-of-mouth role that used to happen only verbally among friends and acquaintances.
In the booking phase, there is no doubt that disintermediation has been one of the cornerstones of 2020.
Digital transformation has also changed the way people experience a trip, with the most obvious change being the sharing of content on social platforms. According to Doxee, this trend is evidenced by the numbers: 74 percent of travelers say they use social during their trips. The purpose of sharing is to capture lifelong memories and make the travel experience as unique as possible.
The customer experience continues well beyond the trip in that phase that in today's day and age takes on the characteristics of Neverending Tourism , a strategy to extend the tourist experience by offering upselling before and after the trip, for example by accessing online content such as a city guide or cooking classes of typical local products. According to data by Osservatorio Innovazione Digitale nel Turismo (Digital Innovation in Tourism Observatory), "with this approach, 42 percent of accommodation facilities have begun to offer their customers the purchase of food and wine or craft products, including through an e-commerce (8 percent)."

All these aspects going from research, booking, travel and to post-trip stage will have a lasting impact on the digital strategies of tourism businesses.

The power of synergies to shape digital transformation: what's next?

As we can see from the chart, there are a lot of goals for tourism businesses concerning Digital Transformation for 2023. We at EU DigiTOUR are aware of this potential and are active in our role as promoters of digital know-how for tourism businesses.

Source: Skift

The opportunities and challenges related to Digital Transformation are constantly evolving. At these times when everything seems connected and digital, the power of network can help many operators manage change proactively.

As is well known, raising issues with more voices than a single one can have positive impacts.

In this perspective of synergy and collaboration we will be hosted at Mediterranean Exchange of Archaeological Tourism in Paestum to exchange many ideas about the present and the future of digital trends, with two main events on Friday 28th October. Here you can find more information about them, as well as in the dedicated page of the exhibition .

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION: THE BEST OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES FOR TOURISM

Sala Nettuno

1pm - 3pm

An opportunity for a business audience (especially tourism SMEs, policymakers, incubators, accelerators with programs dedicated to tourism startups) to learn about data, trends and projects on the topic of Digital Transformation and its relevance to the tourism sector. The event will introduce the EU DigiTOUR project, co-funded by the European Union's COSME program, and the technical and financial support opportunities dedicated to tourism SMEs.

DIGITAL TOURISM INTERACTION: MENTORING, WORKSHOP AND MINI-HACKATHON SIN THE TOURISM SECTOR

Basilica

4pm-6pm

Afternoon session on the topic of training in the digital field with a high rate of interaction for a business audience and for students who want to increase their skills and expertise in th e field. Participants can deepen their knowledge with respect to the most relevant digital technologies for tourism: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality (AR; VR) and Big Data. Mentoring, workshops and a mini-hackathon will guide participants in the adoption and use of these technologies. The mini-hackathon open to students (graduate and undergraduate) and professionals, tourism businesses and startups will use the CO*STAR (customer opportunity solution team advantages result) methodology designed specifically for creative development of innovative projects.

Get to know the EU DigitALL Mentors!

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 08:30:48 GMT

The DigitALL Mentors are going to significantly contribute to the EU Transformation Academy providing one-to-one business mentoring, guiding the tourism SMEs and startups through their digital transformation thanks to their professional background and knowledge of disruptive technologies!

Let’s discover who the 21 DigitALL Mentors are!

Ivona Gudelj , who is highly passionate about overcoming challenges for the benefit of customers and society is committed to helping others to unleash their potential and grow.

Trpimir Kvesić , CEO of InSky Solutions and head of Microsoft Midmarket award-winning solutions development.

Mario Brcic from the University of Zagreb, has more than 10 years of experience in Artificial Intelligence and a track record applied work with companies, both startups and multinationals, to solve real-world problems.

Ivan Slade Šilović , from Shimadzu Europe, is a passionate developer in Digital and AI Healthcare and ready to use his professional background to concretely help enterprises to scale up and revolutionize their businesses. Primož Cigoj , founder and CEO of PC7 company, has a huge background of expertise in the European Project Dynamic Forensics Evaluation because of his contribution in developing and advanced educational tool for for digital forensic engineering.

Manuela Ferrante , committed in workshops about Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and POC and everything that combines creativity and technology, is a professional of product design.

Oto Brglez is an extremely passionate technologist and software engineer, with a background of more than 20 years in building complex and sophisticated web systems, products and technologies.

Tomo Popovic , teacher of computer science and information systems at the University of Donja Gorica, has 25 years of international experience in both industrial and academic environments, now committed to developing software for brand protection and the prevention of counterfeits in the wine industry.

Oliver Laduch is focused on the medical consumption data, and every month since 2008 he processes all consumption data of 500 German hospitals thanks to Big Data. Furthermore, he’s committed to AI projects, like project estimates for German federal road construction offices.

Fabio D’Agnano is an architect with specialisms in the field of 3D design and digital manufacturing, and he is particularly interested in new teaching methods serving as a consultant to the Italian Ministry of Education in the field of digital manufacturing in higher education, using the Design Thinking approach.

Louise Brandstrup Zastrow a creative director, brand strategist and storyteller, founder of Travel Kollekt - Ta digitall , on-demand publishing platform that empowers people who desire to travel responsibly to organize their own travel research and print their personal travel books.

Robi Pritržnik, who is the CEO of Foreach Labs, a metaverse and AI digital agency, responsible for the development company, organization and management, and who has a degree in Computer Science and Information Technology.

Juraj Malenica , a software engineer focused on developing complex AI solutions, with many years of experience in building stable and scalable systems, organizing engineering teams to solve real-world problems and bridging the gap between the engineering world and product world.

Michael Trimmel is an entrepreneur with a passion for Artificial Intelligence. He is the AI Strategy, ML Integration and Product Owner at HalloSophia. Damir Opsenica , who has more than 15 years in ICT, and passionate about innovations to last, digitalization to enable sustainability, challenging status quo, inspiring, empowering and mentoring people.

Ivan Vajs , a PhD student and researcher in the field of applied artificial intelligence in IoT air quality sensor systems and biomedical computing, and Filip Novoselnik , who is a co-founder and CEO of Protostar Labs, an AI company from Croatia focused on computer vision and machine learning solutions for industrial applications, will also be DigitALL Mentors.

Gabriella Currao , who is a UX/UI Manager that works closely with a team of talented designers and engineers translating high-level strategy into meaningful experiences through design.

Silvia Torretta , responsible for the Technology (Engineering + Lab) Business Unit in Studio Volpi, who supports the sales network by collecting customers’ briefs and by formulating the action plan necessary to achieve the desired results.

Davor Anicic , CEO and Co-founder at Velebit AI, who since 2015 has hands-on experience on the product and business side of the successful cutting-edge AI implementations based on Computer Vision and Natural Language Processing for marketplaces, publishing, and several other industries.

Vedran Srhoj-Egekher , with expertise in machine learning and data mining, with scientific background and 5+ years experience in leaders and management roles in the IT industry.

These are all the professionals that will take part in the programme, and we can definitely say that these Mentors will significantly contribute to the success of tourism SMEs. We cannot wait to see them at work!

If you are a tourism SMEs or startups interested in acquiring useful instruments to start the digital revolution of your business, apply now!

Learn more and connect with the mentors!

Tourism trends

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 22:15:58 GMT

Tourism trends

EU DigiTOUR Project | 14 July, 2022

The tourism industry is transforming rapidly. After the COVID-19 pandemic the reality of travels as we have known has changed. Some tourism trends are helping Destination Marketing Operations (DMOs) and other players of the industry to adapt their businesses to the new arrangement of things and to grow along with the digital revolution.

Let’s take a look at the rising trends that are emerging in the tourism sector!

Automation: gone are the days in which we had to go to travel agencies to book our holidays and speak directly to someone, because today we are used to book travels thanks to online platforms. This digital infrastructure is way less cheaper for travel companies in terms of advertising expenditures and also customers are enjoying the comfort of organizing an itinerary thanks to their computers. In 2019, 71% of operators¹ were using reservation technology in their businesses and the trend is expected to grow in a way that the tourism sector will be highly impacted.

Mobile bookings: since smartphones are instruments that we have constantly in our hands, travel operators are recognizing the importance of delivering services also through mobile devices: in fact, discounts and special offers are usually made available to clients, and the possibility to reserve an experience via a mobile device with additional benefits is thought by travel providers

Personalization: according to Think with Google, 57%² travelers believe that companies should personalize their buying experience and base it on their behaviors, personal preferences, and past choices. The advantage is also on the side of operators because giving the possibility to customers of tailoring the experiences on their preferences will lead to satisfied clients willing to book another experience the next time

Sustainable Tourism : countries are urged to speed up climate action in tourism in the wake of the COP 26 UN Climate Change Conference and the release of The Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action. Encouragement of environmentally conscious and sustainable tourism practices is therefore crucial for the sector's resiliency. The climate crisis poses a greater threat than COVID-19, according to the UNWTO Secretary-general. As more and more international travelers become aware of this situation, they start to believe that in order to rescue the planet and save it for future generations, action must be taken immediately. Travels that aim at respecting the environment and people are becoming the first choice of customers and consequently the providers of accommodations and experiences should consider the impact they make on our planet.

Experience Tourism: experience-based travel is growing because the choice of a once-in-a-lifetime experience will be remembered forever. Travelers start looking for authentic experiences in their location as they grow weary or sick of taking cookie-cutter vacations in popular tourist destinations. For example, Harris Group did a study that revealed that 72% millennials prefer spending more money on unique experiences rather than on material things.

Is this the beginning of a real revolution in the travel sector? Sign up for the EU DigiTOUR Newsletters to receive more information on the latest trends in the tourism sector! The industry is changing rapidly and EU DigiTOUR is ready for the changes!

________________

¹ Source: https://arival.travel/research/arival-guide-ready-for-the-rebound/

² Source: https://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/consumer-insights/consumer-trends/new-consumer-travel-assistance/

³Source https://www.cnbc.com/2016/05/05/millennials-are-prioritizing-experiences-over-stuff.html

Latest tech trends

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 22:01:22 GMT

Latest tech trends

EU DigiTOUR Project | 15 July, 2022

The revolution of technology is moving faster than ever, causing the acceleration of the rate of change. Especially after the outbreak of COVID-19, the role of IT professionals has become considerably useful to keep up the pace with these fast changes, with them continuously committed in learning, unlearning and relearning.

Take a look at the latest trends on which experts, but also people without a similar background, should put their hands on:

Artificial Intelligence: having already received significant attention during the past decade, it has started to be considered more when it changed the ways in which we live, work and play. It is expected that the AI market will grow to a $190 billion industry by 2025¹ and it will leave a significant impact upon every industrial sector, but especially in the studying of the customers’ behavior, thanks to the analysis of data in real time and to the enhancement of personalized experiences

Robotic Process Automation (RPA): like the machine learning of AI, also RPA is becoming more useful to automate business processes by quickly processing transactions, dealing with data and even replying to emails. The future thanks to an instrument like this will be way more efficient!

Edge computing: we all know the fact that huge quantities of data are significantly processed everyday and stored in ‘clouds’, the only instruments able to deal with infinite numbers of information at the same time. However, given the fact that sometimes problems arise in the processing of this data, edge computing is designed to help solve the latency caused by cloud computing. Edge computing can be used to process time-sensitive data in remote locations with limited or no connectivity to a centralized location, acting like mini datacenters to make ready every data needed

Augmented and Virtual Reality: these technologies, coming from the video games world, have started to become part of our lives because of their significant potential for training, entertainment, education, marketing and also for medical reasons. For Christmas 2019 14 million of AR/VR devices were sold and the market is expected to be worth $209.2 billion².

Internet of Things (IoT): the future of our lives will see interconnected devices and as consumers we are already seeing the benefits of this trend: we can now lock doors remotely, control home appliances through a smartphone and we can use our devices as a magic wand during our everyday lives. Forecasts suggest that by 2030 around 50 billion ³ of these IoT devices will be in use around the world, creating a massive web of interconnected devices spanning everything from smartphones to kitchen appliances.

Cyber security: it is usually given for granted, but cyber security is of utmost importance because threats are always behind the corner with the Internet. Cybersecurity will remain a trending technology because it will constantly evolve to defend against hackers and enterprises should consider implementing an efficient barrier against every dangerous attack.

In short, the future relies more and more on technology, and it is important to stay up to date and prepared for the new tech era. The revolution has started!

If you are intrigued and would like to digitize your tourism business, EU DigiTOUR invites you to apply for our Transformation Academy , where experts in the tech fields give you more in depth information on how you can uptake the technology into your business!

____________________

¹ Source https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/artificial-intelligence-market-74851580.html

² Source: https://techjury.net/blog/virtual-reality-statistics/#gref

³ S ource: https://www.statista.com/statistics/802690/worldwide-connected-devices-by-access-technology/)

The EU DigiTOUR Transformation Academy

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 22:01:20 GMT

The EU DigiTOUR Transformation Academy

EU DigiTOUR Project | 15 July, 2022

Nowadays, we rely more and more on the evolution of technology, which has a significant impact on our lives and in every industrial sector. For these reasons, it is crucial that the tourism industry’s key players are up to date about the latest trends of the tourism industry, in order to get them prepared when the revolution becomes a reality. Instruments like Artificial Intelligence, AR/VR, Big Data and IoT will be our present before we can actually realize what is happening.

In fact, the EU DigiTOUR project’s main objective is to help the transition of tourism SMEs towards a digital infrastructure that is strategic for their business growth and to overcome the barriers of the adoption of technological instruments.

To achieve the mission of boosting the digital capacity of the tourism SMEs/ stratus, EU DigiTOUR has launched the EU Transformation Academy , an online education and training programme focusing on disruptive technologies such as IoT, AI, AR/VR and big Data, to EU tourism SMEs, professionals and operators in the industry. The Transformation Academy will be conducted by DigitALL Mentors , a pool of digital/tech experts who are passionate in upscaling the tourism industry with digitalisation!

The Academy will be carried out in 3 modules by a pool of experts:

Business mentoring sessions

The participants of the business mentoring sessions will learn from the experts in the tech sectors. The tech experts will share the strategic knowledge to help digital transformation of the business

Experimentation classes

Attendees of the Experimentation classes will have a theoretical background of digitalisation and a clear scheme of the mechanism and the trends of the tourism market

Workshops and masterclasses

The workshops and the masterclasses aims at helping participants to reach a wider understanding of tech topics such as Big Data, IoT, AI, and VR/AR applied to the tourism industry

The Transformation Academy will be delivered in September and October 2022, don’t miss the opportunity to scale up your business now and make the changes in the tourism sector!

Latest trends in the digital sector

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 08:46:59 GMT

The EU DigiTOUR project supports the digital transition of the European tourism SMEs lagging behind in the adoption and full exploitation of the digital technologies by up-skilling their digital competencies, bridging the lack of knowledge by identifying required digital skills to limited staffing issues. We truly believe digitalization is one of the keys to unlocking the elevation of the tourism sector!

Nevertheless, what are the latest trends in the digital world? Should we say 5G, Metaverse, crypto, artificial intelligence? Does that sound familiar to you?

In this article from The Conversation , written by an expert in digital marketing, you can learn about the latest trends in the digital world: social media privacy, metaverse, crypto, artificial intelligence, and more.

It is clear that 2022 is all about digital content. Another accessible tool in the digital realm is the short-form video content launched by TikTok and Instagram which is becoming more and more popular and tends to grow for the promotion of tourism and other activities. Marketing, customer service, and relationship management are also expanding their market through these social platforms.

Another trend is the concern related to data privacy and big data generated for and through digital platforms. Such a subject has become highly discussed in business environments, academia, and jurisdictional concerns, and tends to increasingly be part of people’s life.

Furthermore, we cannot forget the update of Facebook to Metaverse! Mark Zuckerberg changed in 2021 the brand name Facebook to Meta, introducing 3D web. Indeed, news on the development of techs is something we need to keep an eye on.

For more information on new trends in tech, check out the article ➡️ https://theconversation.com/six-big-digital-trends-to-watch-in-2022-174144

Stay tuned for more digital trends!

Toward the digital transformation of the travel SMEs

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 08:45:17 GMT

Making a hotel reservation through an app on your device or watching a 3D museum exhibition at your table is already common in people’s routines. Nevertheless, most small and medium-sized entrepreneurs (SMEs) are still on the way to becoming fully innovative and digital.

The idea that digital transformation is costly is still in the back of the mind of most SMEs. However, the digital transformation of SMEs is undergoing even without their realization. Such digital transformation comes in diverse ways, from the simple technique of including chat options to the website, which is sustained by Artificial Intelligence, to broadening marketing content in social media.

Additionally, the uptake and scope of digital techs vary across places and sectors creating an uneven scenario, which results in a substantial gap between tech-driven and traditional SMEs, usually featured as low-tech business practices. The differences between tech-driven tourism business and traditional SMEs can also be recognized by the huge gap in financial shares.

Recently, substantial attention has been given to digital marketing and e-commerce as a strategy for building brands, engaging new customers, and reaching new markets. Additionally, innovative technologies such as geotagging, augmented technologies and artificial intelligence, are being more accessed and generating novelties in tourism activities. Thus, digital techs are pushing tourism towards a new level of access and innovation of businesses of all sizes, segments, and ends.

Nevertheless, other technologies such as data analytics, cloud computing, and revenue management software, have still received less attention in tourism administration.

Digitalization is creating unprecedented ways for tourism SMEs to develop new tourism ideas and services, access new markets, expand their network internationally, adopt new processes and business models, and connect and integrate into other digital ecosystems. Efficiency, increment of resources to strategically expand the business and free up time, and internationalization of operations are some of the potential benefits that digitalization can impact tourism SMEs.

Therefore, SMEs that do not invest in their digitalization may potentially not survive the new flow and needs that are emerging from the adoption of technologies within society, let alone thrive in the future. SMEs and the wider tourism ecosystem will need to fully embrace and adopt these new technologies to remain competitive, accessible, and up-to-date.

Capacity building programme

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 08:43:18 GMT

EU DigiTOUR programme is designing a transnational capacity-building programme around digital transformation for the tourism industry. The program will be carried out online to reach expectants worldwide. The programme aims to provide professionals working in the tourism industry, with a specific focus on EU traditional tourism SMEs, a comprehensive introduction to the key issues and solutions around the adoption of AI, IoT, VR/AR, and big data in business. The programme will be designed and delivered to people in all functions and roles, among others, including EU tourism SME owners and startup founders, purchasers, production and quality managers, retail and sales personnel, communication specialists and logistical staff.

The purpose of the programme is to provide fundamental knowledge, tools, and inspiration needed to actively engage in digital transformation, tackle challenges, and exploit opportunities as digital ambassadors of digital transformation.

Considering the key target group, EU traditional tourism SMEs, the programme will be built around:

Basic knowledge: understanding first and foremost the new digital technologies and how the SMEs can benefit from them.
Strategic knowledge: understanding where, when, and how to invest time and money in order to achieve development and reach new markets.

The programme will be based on:

A hybrid 1-1 mentoring provided by the network of DigitALL Mentors, specialized professionals in the field of AI, AR/VR, IoT, big data, providing assistance, support, and mentoring to tourism SMEs through personalized mentoring sections. The duration of the classes is 4 weeks.
Online experimentation classes , where the groups of participants will have the possibility to explore the different online platforms which are essential for them to use, when expanding their knowledge about the digital sphere.The duration of the classes is 4 weeks.
Online Workshops and masterclasses , with groups of 10/15 attendees, covering 5 topics within AI, VR/AR, IoT, big data, and business intelligence, providing the opportunity to meet industry experts, tech and tools service providers, and to experiment with these new kinds of value creation and capture. The duration of the classes is 4 weeks.

The multi-layered capacity building programme will encourage EU tourism SMEs to reassess their business models and make key changes for both strategy and practice.

News in deep tech and tourism fields

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 08:41:43 GMT

Tourism was one of the pioneers to digitize business processes globally, bringing flight and hotel booking online to become a digital launch. As information and communication technologies (ICT) became a global phenomenon, tourism was a consistent early adopter of new technologies and platforms. In other words, tourism and digitization are two indissoluble phenomena, destined to travel on the same track of mutual expansion and development.

The World Economic Forum (WEF, 2017) has estimated that in the decade to 2025, digitalization will create up to USD 305 billion of additional value for the tourism sector alone through increased profitability, while around USD 100 billion of value generated in the sector will transfer from traditional players to new digital competitors with innovative business models and value-producing capabilities. The digital transformation is also forecast to generate benefits valued at USD 700 billion for customers and wider society, through reduced environmental footprint, improved safety and security, and cost and time savings for consumers.

Among the trends shaping the new norm for the tourism sector:

Artificial Intelligence: Artificial intelligence in tourism plays an increasingly leading role. While not new, AI technology is experiencing a period of acceleration due to current advances in data processing. The possibilities of its application in tourism are almost unlimited – from the hyper-personalization of services to the management of equipment, through guidance or the automatic production of editorial content. Personalization is one of the most dramatic aspects of applying AI in tourism. AI makes it possible to match the desires, habits, and preferences of the tourist with the product offered. Learning what the customer is looking for, buying and likes make it possible to create personalized and targeted offers, at all times of the trip.
Virtual & augmented reality: AR/VR is playing a crucial role in transforming the tourism landscape and boosting travel experiences for tourists. In today’s fast-paced world, travelers love the ease of searching and booking tours on the go. The role of AR in travel apps has infinite possibilities. It has immense potential to assist and bring innovative changes to the travel and tourism industry. For travel and tourism agencies, providing such an experience to their customers can be very motivating advertising that highlights the atmosphere of the cities or locations. Virtual reality offers delights for the eyes and ears and entices the customer to dive deeper into that culture.
Big Data: Big data has already proven useful for marketing purposes but also for tourism, notably to study tourist behavior. Big data can be effectively used to facilitate exploring popular tourism destinations and for identifying the best timeframe to visit a specific destination. Tourists produce a huge amount of data on a global scale, which can provide valuable insights into their practices and attitudes. This would allow for a deeper insight into the tourism sector, as compared to more traditional methods of surveys and interviews with focus groups. The digital transformation process has played a fundamental role in this, all digital interactions, both positive and negative, are effectively Big Data and can be transformed into useful information for market analysis to potentialize tourism offers.
IoT: Smart Destinations require smart management as well as the integration of the stakeholders’ value chain throughout the entire process. In this process, IoT has a crucial role in enhancing the experiences of tourists, to more efficiently managing the destination, and offering a channel of information exchange. As a result, a more efficient destination, with better and more personalized experiences will improve the competitiveness of the tourism destination and of the quality of life of its citizens. New disruptive technologies, such as IoT, are crucial to achieving more efficiency and productivity in Tourism and Travel Industries.

Digitalization is bringing unprecedented opportunities for tourism to access new markets, develop new tourism products and services, adopt new business models and processes, upgrade their position in global tourism value chains and integrate into digital ecosystems. Additionally, it can improve tourism’s efficiency and resources to focus on strategic tasks, besides increasing the capacity to develop new business models, enter new markets, or internationalize operations. Join the EU DigiTOUR’s journey on boosting the development of digitalization in the tourism sector!

Consortium Partners + Project in a nutshell

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 08:39:36 GMT

The EU DigiTOUR project – co-funded by the COSME Programme of the European Union – aims at shaping the next generation of EU tourism SMEs to untap the potentials of the digital realm, with specific emphasis on AI, IoT, VR and AR, and big data.

The project will support the digital transition of the European tourism SMEs lagging behind in the adoption and full exploitation of digital technologies by:

★Up-skilling their digital competencies;

★Bridging the lack of digital knowledge by identifying required digital skills for staff members and collaborators;

★Financially supporting the digital transition by the implementation of a biz programme.

The project is conducted by a consortium of 10 partners from 5 countries:

X23 is an Italian organization that provides innovation support services to startups, SMEs, and large companies in different topics. Among its activities, X23 runs its incubator and accelerator with a set of targeted growth programs for startup and high-growth SMEs.

ISNART , the Italian National Institute of Tourism Research, focuses on studies, investigations, and publications on tourism. It also supports Italian tourism SMEs, helping them improve their quality, competitiveness, and sustainability.

CroAI , the Croatian Artificial Intelligence Association, brings together leading companies and startups in the field of AI in Croatia, providing continuous support throughout events, workshops, and mentoring.

AR/VRTech is a Serbian software company specialized in Augmented and Virtual Reality and its mission is to continuously develop smart and innovative technological solutions across different verticals: marketing, retail, education, tourism, art entertainment, and others.

Dunavnet is a Serbian product development company that designs and licenses its solutions based on IoT and AI technologies. The company's expertise lies in the domain of designing and provisioning turnkey IoT/Al solutions to integration with cloud services, domain-specific data analytics algorithms, and client dashboards.

ALGEBRA LAB is an open innovation lab and incubator, part of Algebra University College, the flagship of the largest private educational organization in Croatia. Through Algebra Lab, SMEs and startups can access technology testing, finance advice, market intelligence, and networking opportunities.

Social Impact provides non-profit social innovation and startup consultancy for social and inclusive entrepreneurs in Germany and beyond. Since 2011 Social Impact Labs have provided incubation and qualification programs for over 300 startups providing co-working spaces, training, consulting, and mentoring.

Transformation Lighthouse is a Slovenian team of professionals that provides knowledge and tools for the companies to step firmly on the path of transformation of business and culture, where organizing hackathons play a major role in it. In fact, through the years, it has become one of the most recognized organizers of on-location and online hackathons.

ITKAM is a German-based business support organization providing every year around 500 SMEs with business development assistance. Over the last years, it has been focussing on promoting the innovation of SMEs through knowledge transfer capacity building activities and contacts with the key institutions both in Germany and in Italy.

Startup Turismo is a not-for-profit association, recognized as the only Italian association which represents the Italian travel startups ecosystem. It is committed to building a favorable environment for the associated startups through dialogue with institutional and industrial decision-makers. Startup Turismo favors the culture of entrepreneurship by promoting innovation through dedicated events and networking occasions between the startups of the tourism and cultural sector.

EU DigiTOUR was presented in the EU Industry Week 2022: Towards a full green and digital transformation: the role of EU SMEs and startups in the travel and tourism industry!

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 11:59:41 GMT

EU DigiTOUR was presented in the EU Industry Week 2022: Towards a full green and digital transformation: the role of EU SMEs and startups in the travel and tourism industry !

EU DigiTOUR was presented at “ Towards a full green and digital transformation: the role of EU SMEs and startups in the travel and tourism industry” , a satellite event of the EU Industry Week hosted by X23 on the 21st of February 2022. The event was celebrated with great speakers and insightful speeches, and we are happy to share some highlights of the event!

The event showcased the key elements to the new era of the tourism sector- sustainability and digitalisation. After the first section that focused on sustainable tourism, digital/tech experts delivered keynote speeches sharing creative ideas and the latest market insights, providing resources of financial support and transnational cooperation for people who are passionate about digitalisation or tourism SMEs who are eager to transition their business into a more innovative and digitalised service!

Firstly we have our speaker Urksa Jez from Transformation Lighthouse sharing with the participants how to hack innovation for the tourism sector, more specifically - what does being innovative consist of? Then, Maja Pokric, from AR/VR Tech and Maja Brkljacic from Algebra Lab introduced the latest technologies - what is augmented reality and virtual reality, and how can they be used in the tourism sector.

The event gathered almost 100 participants! Thank you all for participating in the event and congratulations to all the speakers. without you, the event would not have been such a big success!

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Celebrating Innovation: The 31 Winning Companies of the EUDigiTOUR Hackathon Program

A Glimpse into EUDigiTOUR

The Winning Companies

Fostering Collaboration and Innovation

Loking Ahead: The Final Event

Meet the Digital Champions: Traveleco, Leading Sustainable Tourism through Digitalization

Meet the Digital Champions: Weforguest, elevating Hotel Performance

Digital Tourism enabled by IoT and Smart Solutions

The Internet of Things: Bridging the Gap Between the Digital and Physical Worlds

Smart Objects and Devices: Bridging the Digital Divide

IoT's Role in Tourism: Revolutionizing the Industry

Real-World Example: NADIA

Enhancing Tourist Attractions with IoT

Unlocking Innovation: EU DigiTOUR Hackathons for SMEs

What are Hackathons?

Hackathons in EU DigiTOUR

Get to know our team! Interview 4# Transformation Lighthouse

Hello, Martin! Thank you for joining us today. Could you start by telling us a bit about yourself and Transformation Lighthouse?

That sounds like a great opportunity for startups and SMEs to work together. Can you tell us more about how hackathons play a role in your work?

Now, let's focus on the European project EUDigiTOUR. Can you explain its objectives and how it aims to benefit SMEs and startups?

Finally, could you share the overall objectives of your work at EU DigiTOUR?

Embracing the Future: 5 Tech Trends Reshaping the Tourism Industry in 2023

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

Internet of Things (IoT)

Blockchain Technology

Sustainable Tourism Solutions

EU Green Week Event - Tourism Skills for Digital and Green Transition

Why Upskilling matters?

Green Skills

Blue Skills

Digital Skills

EU Green Week - unlocking opportunities

Get to know our team! Interview 3# ITKAM

How long have you been working on ITKAM? Can you tell us more about your role?

What do you enjoy about working at ITKAM and what is the essence of your action?

How does ITKAM support startups in the tourism industry and which kind of businesses are you in contact with?

What kind of business development services does ITKAM offer?

Can you tell us something about EUDigiTOUR?

Digital Insight 1#: Artificial Intelligence, ChatGPT and its ethical issues

What is Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence Applications

Chatbots

Natural Language Processing (NLP)

Computer vision

Intelligent Data Processing

Recommendation systems

Physical Solutions

Artificial intelligence Ethical Implications The ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence can be divided into two main categories:

Implications arising from the design choices made by developers:

Implications that directly affect individuals, society, and the economic-political system:

ChatGPT Case Study

Get to know our team! Interview 2# Associazione Startup Turismo

Why did you choose to establish a vertical association focused on tourism, given the existence of numerous other associations representing the startup ecosystem in Italy?

Your experience goes back more than 10 years in this sector, what do you think is lacking specifically in the Italian market?

What is the most significant challenge that you have encountered when working with traditional and corporate entities to transition towards digitization and new technological tools?

As an association, how are you supporting collaborations between startups and traditional companies?

Get to know our team! Interview 1# X23 The Innovation Bakery

You designed the EU DigiTOUR project first-hand, can you tell us more about this and your role as official coordinator?

What is the uniqueness behind this acceleration programme?

EU DigiTOUR as all your European projects is only a starting point to create something bigger: can you give us more insights about how projects are evolving?

Thank you Marika and good luck on your ambitious endeavors!

Call for Innovative Tourism Startups and SMEs - Last days to apply for the High-Growth Programme!

#WHAT

#WHO

#WHEN

#HOW

EU DigiTOUR BIT Travel Exhibition in Milan

The New Era of Tourism and Funding Opportunity for Innovative Tourism Business

Midterm Meeting in Slovenia to kick off the new year!

First day - From building skills to enable digital transformation

Second day - co-design digital transformation

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Destinations towards Digital Innovation. Let’s meet Giacomo Andreani, CEO at Expirit

Would you like to tell us about the goal and mission of Expirit?

“A place that turns into Destination. A journey that turns into an Experience” says your pay-off. How is innovation involved in this path?

How can EUDigiTOUR support Destination Management?

What implications: can you give us examples?

So what are the main benefits of Digitalization and some challenges too?

Artificial intelligence Ethical Implications
The ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence can be divided into two main categories: