Digitalisation as a strategic pillar
The digitalisation of tourism begins with responsible data management. The incorporation of technological tools, especially those based on AI, poses challenges that must be addressed by both the private sector and public administrations. The objective is clear: to ensure that all actors in the tourism ecosystem work in a coordinated manner to offer more efficient, safer and more sustainable travel experiences.
Aware of this need, Segittur has analysed more than 20 use cases to ensure that the PID responds to the real demands of the sector. These cases reflect the diversity of the Spanish tourism market, which ranges from beach management to measuring the impact of cruise ships, including wine, equestrian and thermal tourism.
Sustainability: The common thread
In all these cases, sustainability is central. A notable example is the Use Case of Circular Economy applied to tourism, aligned with the objectives of the 2030 Agenda. The circular economy seeks to reduce the environmental impact of tourism by optimising resources and adopting technologies that enable more efficient practices.
How is this achieved? By applying principles of circularity: reuse, recycling and waste reduction. This involves integrating technological solutions that facilitate the intelligent management of resources, from energy to waste, without losing sight of the traveller’s experience.
Principles of sustainable tourism
The combination of sustainability and digitalisation translates into the development of systems that provide data to measure and improve efficiency in the use of resources. It is not a question of indiscriminately automating and sensorising everything, but of finding a balance between technology and privacy, ensuring that each innovation has a clear purpose.
Examples of these initiatives include:
- Use of renewable energy in accommodation.
- Measuring the carbon footprint of travel.
- Implementing the circular economy in waste management.
- Optimising the last mile in transport.
These and many other actions contribute to mitigating climate change, preventing pollution and protecting biodiversity, converging towards a more responsible and socially productive tourism model.
Regenerative tourism: Beyond sustainability
An emerging concept is regenerative tourism, which goes one step further. It not only seeks to minimise negative impact, but also to generate a positive effect on destinations: restoring ecosystems, strengthening local communities and leaving places better than they were found. This approach redefines the relationship between tourism and the territory, focusing on experiences that benefit both the traveller and the environment.
Technological trends that will shape the future
Events such as Greencities have highlighted the trends that will transform tourism in the coming years. These include:
- 5G and future technologies (6G, etc.), which will boost connectivity.
- AIoT (Artificial Intelligence + Internet of Things), for smarter devices.
- Edge Computing, which allows data to be processed on the device itself.
- Tools such as Big Data, Business Intelligence and AI, which are already optimising sustainability and decision-making.
These technologies will not only improve efficiency, but also open up new opportunities to personalise the traveller’s experience and manage destinations in a smarter and more sustainable way.
Digital security: An unavoidable challenge
The expansion of the IoT in tourism brings with it risks associated with cybersecurity. Connected devices are potential targets for attacks, so it will be essential to: Implement secure networks and protection systems, use VPNs and robust protocols and, especially, promote digital literacy among businesses and users.
The economic impact of innovation
To what extent do new technologies influence tourism?
One fact suffices: innovation currently accounts for 1.42% of national GDP, equivalent to €14 billion. This figure shows that digitalisation and sustainability are not just trends, but economic drivers that will define the future of the sector.
Conclusions
The tourism of the future will be digital and sustainable
