Technology plays a pivotal role in optimizing tourism businesses and destinations while enhancing the customer experience. In this context, the Tourism Innovation Summit (TIS) 2024, scheduled for October 23-25 in Seville, Spain, will gather top CIOs and IT managers from leading companies like AR Hotels, Vueling, Catalonia Hotels, Renfe, Ilunion Hotels, and Lopesan. The event aims to spotlight the latest trends and technological innovations shaping the tourism industry, with AI, big data, and digitalization taking center stage.
A Glimpse Into the Future of Tourism
One of the summit’s key events, the CIO’s Summit, will explore how cutting-edge technologies are redefining the future of tourism. From streamlining operations to revolutionizing the customer journey, industry leaders will delve into how AI and big data can transform tourism. Among the highlights is a discussion on lessons learned from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, offering insights into the digital infrastructure needed for massive events. This roadmap will underscore how technology not only enhances event organization but also improves the experience for travelers and benefits host communities.
AI, Data Spaces, and Cybersecurity
A major topic of discussion at the summit will be the role of AI and data in shaping tourism’s future. Panelists such as Dolores Ordóñez, Vice President of Gaia-X, and Olga Preveden, Project Manager at the Austrian National Tourist Office, will address how AI regulations in Europe are evolving and the importance of establishing tourism data spaces. These spaces are essential for understanding how emerging technologies will transform both operational efficiency and customer experience.
However, as technology advances, the risks do as well. Cybersecurity remains a critical concern for an industry handling large volumes of personal and financial data. David Alonso, Cybersecurity Consultant at Telefónica Tech, will emphasize the importance of safeguarding data to avoid damage to both brand reputation and customer trust.
Sustainability and Technology in Tourism
Sustainability will also be a key focus, with speakers such as Edoardo Colombo, President of the AI Association for Tourism in Italy, and Feliks Kasmi, CEO of Cientouno Group, discussing how AI and big data analytics can revolutionize resource management in hospitality. These technologies can predict energy demands and optimize resource use, enhancing both operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.
Additionally, AI tools are transforming strategic management and personalized marketing, allowing businesses to fine-tune their operations in real time and offer tailored experiences to travelers. Experts such as Nina Colarić Cvirn, Head of Social Media at the Slovenian Tourist Board, will explore how these tools can reshape marketing strategies and improve engagement with customers.
Digitalization in Hotel Management
Technological innovation is not limited to broad industry trends; it also extends to specific areas of hotel management, including gastronomic services. Digitalization is becoming key to optimizing processes, reducing costs, and improving profitability within this sector. Esteban Sedano, SVP of Hotel Operations at PortAventura World, and Marga Juan, Senior Project Manager at Barceló Hotel Group, will explain how digital tools can transform operations and increase efficiency in hotel dining services.
The TIS 2024 promises to be a groundbreaking event, offering invaluable insights into how technology can drive the future of tourism, improve customer experiences, and promote sustainability. With a stellar lineup of industry leaders, the summit will provide a platform for knowledge sharing, debate, and collaboration, ensuring that tourism remains at the forefront of innovation.