Tourexpi
Telefónica
and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) have followed through
on their commitment to cooperate by signing a new collaboration framework,
valid until 2026, with the aim of promoting tourism development that is more
digital, sustainable and inclusive.
The
United Nations’ specialized agency for tourism and Telefónica will continue to
work together at the global level and will focus on three strategic axes of
digital transformation: nurturing global and regional innovation and
entrepreneurship ecosystems; boosting technological adoption in tourism; and
promoting capacity building for a more digital, sustainable and competitive
tourism sector that leaves no one behind.
New
projects, new scopes
In
this regard, Telefónica Tech, the telecom operator's strategic digital business
unit, and the UNWTO will promote the 'Digital Futures' programme, which seeks
to accelerate the tourism sector’s economic recovery by scaling up small and
medium-sized enterprises with the incorporation of new technologies such as big
data, IoT, AI, blockchain, cybersecurity and cloud-based solutions. These
digital tools have the ability to transform companies and make them more
competitive, sustainable and resilient, as they help them make better business
decisions based on exhaustively analysed data. Such technologies also allow
them to offer more personalized and competitive products and services, optimize
resources, and increase the profitability of the tourism sector.
As
part of an effort to identify disruptive projects that help enhance the
sustainability of the sector, Wayra Hispam, Telefónica’s open innovation area
that connects the entrepreneurial ecosystem around the world, is collaborating
in the development of the World Tourism Organization’s Community Tourism
Innovation Challenge in Colombia, with the support of the Vice-Ministry of
Tourism of Colombia. Its mentoring support generates connections with the
business and venture capital ecosystem, which is essential for all
entrepreneurs who are working to offer innovative solutions and promote
development, taking into account local communities as well as natural and
cultural heritage.
Furthermore,
training processes (reskilling and upskilling) will be addressed so that
employees can develop and take advantage of all the potential that
digitalization brings to an industry that is so important to the economy of
many countries.
To
this end, training cycles will be carried out on the application of
technologies to tourism. These will be offered by reference stakeholders that
aim to help those who are beginning to take their first steps or wish to evolve
their projects. For their part, Telefónica and UNWTO will collaborate in
learning initiatives through accessible content as the Tourism,
Gastronomy and Hospitality 4.0 Nanodegree developed by Fundación
Telefónica and CEOE through the UNWTO Digital Futures programme, focused on
accelerating the economic recovery of the tourism sector through the growth of
innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Image
Credit: © UNWTO
The most interesting news
Six Senses Debut Resort in the Caribbean: Six Senses La Sagesse, Opening May 2024
Enjoying a pride-of-place setting between the ocean and a protected cove on the southern part of Grenada, Six Senses La Sagesse invites guests to put their feet up and worries down and embark on a journey of discovery, rejuvenation, and celebration.
Cunard to Celebrate Queen Anne with British Isles Festival Voyage
Cunard has announced the first event voyage on Queen Anne with a special British Isles Festival to coincide with her maiden voyage around the British Isles.
David Schelp returns to TUI Group
After 34 years with TUI, Executive Board Member David Burling hands over the responsibility for Markets and Airlines at the turn of the year.
China Resets Tourism Button with New ‘Nihao China’ Branding
The China National Tourist Office in Los Angeles (CNTO) caps its multicity campaign to promote the organization's recent global "Nihao China" rebranding by hosting an all-member luncheon at the 2023 United States Tour Operators Association Annual Con
Lufthansa Group joins Airbus’ carbon-removal initiative
Innovative process that removes CO2 from the air and stores it permanently as a complementary instrument in the Lufthansa Group sustainability strategy.
Viking Announces 10 Additional River Ships In Europe
Construction Has Started on New Viking Longships to be Delivered in 2025 and 2026.
Turkish Airlines And Riyadh Air Sign Strategic Cooperation MoU
Turkish Airlines (TK) and Riyadh Air (RX) have agreed a Strategic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding to offer a comprehensive range of benefits for guests traveling between the Kingdom, Türkiye and points beyond their Riyadh and Istanbul hubs,
Tourism at COP28 – Delivering on the Climate Action Commitments of the Glasgow Declaration
UNWTO has brought together sector leaders at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) to showcase the progress made in implementing the Glasgow Declaration for Climate Action on Tourism.
easyJet collaborates with RTX to enhance operations
Collins Aerospace, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, is working with easyJet to activate GlobalConnectSM connected aircraft services on more than 330 Airbus aircraft in its fleet.
UNWTO Leads Expert Seminar on International Tourism Law
UNWTO has laid the strong foundations needed for countries everywhere to provide greater legal certainty to all operators in the tourism sector.
Qatar Airways Introduces New Organic Food Choices for Passengers
The award winning airline partners with local farms and Evergreens Organics to curate EXPO 2023 Doha a la carte menu special.
UNWTO Holds Executive Training Programme for Asia and the Pacific
UNWTO welcomed high-level officials from the Tourism Administrations of 19 countries as it put the focus on navigating human resource development challenges in tourism in a post-pandemic world.
Prague to Host Prestigious World Chemical Congress
In 2029, it will be exactly 70 years since the first Nobel Prize was awarded to what was then Czechoslovakia. Professor Jaroslav Heyrovský received the award in 1959 for his discovery of polarography, a chemical method used to analyse solutions.
UNWTO Launches Tourism Investment Guidelines for Chile
The tourism sector in Chile experienced a 52.9% growth in income 2022, new UNWTO research into the country’s status as a top destination for investors reveals.
EDITION’S First Caribbean Property: 620-acre Nature Reserve in Mexico’s Riviera Maya
Nestled within the new luxury resort community of Kanai and its natural mangroves, lagoons and beaches, EDITION’s newest gem marries its signature brand of hospitality with the Yucatan Peninsula’s modern and ancient cultures.
Hotel Toranomon Hills Debuts as Tokyo's First Hotel Within The Unbound Collection by Hyatt Portfolio
Situated at the heart of the dynamic Toranomon Hills global business hub, the hotel serves as an urban launchpad offering bleisure travelers comfort, convenience and cosmopolitan cuisine.
Lufthansa Group and Lilium sign Memorandum of Understanding for strategic partnership
Planned cooperation to jointly shape the future of Advanced Air Mobility in Europe.
Sweet Four Major Lighting Areas: A Comprehensive Guide to Christmasland in New Taipei City
This year's "2023 Christmasland in New Taipei City" brings to life a joyful world with Santa Bear and his friends Robbie, Gingerbread Man, Snowman, Chocobi, and Macaron across four major lighting areas: New Taipei City Plaza, Banqiao Station Square,
Radisson Hotel Group and hivr.ai complete industry’s first successful direct connection for meetings
Radisson Hotel Group is the first international hotel group to fully implement hivr.ai’s ground-breaking technology.
Accor opens the second by Mercure hotel in Tbilisi expanding its portfolio in Georgia
Tbilisi Saburtalo Hotel by Mercure offers a high level of service and a comfortable stay in the vibrant Saburtalo district.
Grand Hyatt Kuwait Residences Officially Opens its Doors
The iconic Grand Hyatt brand expands presence into the luxury residential space in Kuwait.
