We have created a laboratory with an innovation strategy based on three fundamental pillars: expertise, sustainability and safety.
Experience
In the digital era, data has become the new gold. In-depth analysis of traveler behavior and preferences makes it possible to offer tailored experiences adapted to their tastes, interests and needs. It is no longer enough to provide standard tour packages. The modern traveler is looking for unique experiences that reflect his or her personality and values. Innovation becomes key to achieving this goal.
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)
Immersive technologies are revolutionizing the tourism industry by becoming key tools to drive sustainable tourism. Exploring destinations by promoting environmental awareness and responsible tourism practices, as well as enriching experiences in real time through interactive devices, offers travelers the opportunity to gain insight into sustainable options.
Virtual tours: allows users to explore sustainable destinations, hotels or attractions before visiting them, encouraging environmentally friendly choices.
Augmented reality apps: help tourists obtain information about monuments, museums and historical sites. By simply pointing their devices, visitors can access contextualized data, highlighting sustainable aspects and promoting enriching experiences.
Internet of Things (IoT)
In the era of sustainable tourism, IoT emerges as a key catalyst for a more conscious travel experience. Smart rooms and smart luggage are just some of the options that optimize tourist comfort while proposing environmentally friendly practices, reducing waste and boosting energy efficiency.
Smart rooms: in hotels that allow guests to customize lighting, temperature and other services through mobile apps or voice commands.
Smart suitcases: improve the traveler's experience and contribute to efficiency and waste reduction by optimizing packaging and transportation, with options such as GPS and biometric locks.
Big Data / Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Identifying patterns and trends, facilitating decision making for the planning and sustainable management of tourist destinations, is possible thanks to a technology that represents a unique paradigm shift through the analysis of infinite amounts of data.
Chatbots and virtual assistants: provide real-time customer service, resolve doubts, make reservations and provide recommendations, contributing to the design of more sustainable travel experiences tailored to specific interests.
Personalized recommendation systems: based on users' past preferences and behaviors to suggest activities or destinations, they adapt to changes in preferences thanks to machine learning algorithms.
Trend analysis: helps companies identify patterns and forecast demand to improve supply and price management, as well as ensure an equitable distribution of tourists while minimizing negative impacts on the local environment.
Customer segmentation: allows a more precise categorization of travelers according to their behaviors and preferences in order to offer more targeted proposals, encouraging more responsible travel decisions.
Blockchain
With this technology, the tourism sector can achieve secure and immutable platforms for data management, ensuring the transparency and integrity of information, something that will foster a relationship of trust between travelers and companies in the sector in favor of a more environmentally friendly tourism.
Booking and payment systems: ensure transparent and secure transactions when booking travel or services, offering an additional level of security by providing an immutable record of each transaction.
Loyalty programs: allow travelers to accumulate and spend reward points on multiple tourism platforms and services in a more efficient and accessible way, promoting sustainability by rewarding responsible actions.
Geolocation and apps
Interactive tools designed for responsible travelers are forever changing the opportunities for sustainable tourism, offering real-time information on destinations, transportation routes and places of interest.
Navigation apps: help tourists find routes, public transportation and nearby attractions. By providing detailed information on sustainable mobility options, they contribute to reducing the environmental footprint.
Translation: facilitate communication in different languages in real time, in addition to incorporating phrases and terms related to sustainable tourism.
Airbnb and sustainable accommodations: have revolutionized the way people stay, allowing travelers to choose lodging options that align with sustainable practices.
Local connection for responsible experiences: platforms that connect travelers with locals offering tours, classes or unique gastronomic experiences to immerse themselves in the local culture in a respectful way.
Sustainability
Sustainable tourism is no longer a trend but a necessity. Travelers are increasingly aware of their impact on the environment and local communities, seeking options that minimize their ecological footprint and maximize their positive contribution. This implies that sustainability must be integrated into every aspect of the tourism experience. New business models are emerging to help us innovate in this regard.
Emissions
The management of CO2 emissions is essential for the evolution of sustainable tourism, committed to mitigating its environmental impact. The commitment to sustainable hotel practices is only the beginning of the measures needed to reduce the carbon footprint, offsetting its emissions and promoting local tourism in the face of the unstoppable consequences of climate impact.
Renewable energies: implementation of solar, wind or hydroelectric energy in tourism facilities, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Sustainable mobility: promoting low-emission transportation, such as electric trains, electric vehicles and bicycles, as well as applications and platforms that facilitate the user experience with these options.
Carbon footprint: accurate measurement with standardized tools, strategies to reduce emissions through renewable energies and sustainable operational efficiency, as well as compensation through reforestation and ecosystem conservation projects. Implementation of environmental recognition and certification labels for companies and destinations.
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies: facilities that capture CO2 emissions directly from the air and then safely store them underground or convert them into useful materials.
Circularity
Sustainable tourism requires an approach in which resources are used efficiently, minimizing waste. The reuse of materials in the construction of infrastructure and the promotion of local products are some of the ways to promote the circularity necessary to close the life cycle of resources in the tourism sector.
Sustainable design: creation of tourism infrastructures and products designed for a longer useful life and ease of recycling or composting at the end of their cycle.
Reuse and recycling programs: initiatives in hotels and tourism establishments that reduce waste, such as container return systems and water recycling programs, using technology to improve process efficiency.
Responsible consumption: promoting local and seasonal consumption in tourism, reducing the carbon footprint associated with the transportation of goods and food, supported by platforms and technologies that facilitate the identification of and access to sustainable options.
Innovations in packaging: development of biodegradable or reusable packaging, replacing single-use plastics with the support of technologies that promote more responsible waste management practices.
Legislation
Legislation establishes regulatory frameworks to promote environmentally friendly practices in the tourism sector. In addition to regulations on CO2 emissions and other greenhouse gases, there are regulations that promote the circular economy, affecting the design, consumption and disposal of tourism products.
Emissions directives: regulations that establish stricter limits for CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions in the tourism and transportation sector, promoting the mitigation of environmental impact and the transition to more sustainable practices.
Circular economy regulations: legislative initiatives that encourage sustainable design, reuse and recycling in the creation and management of tourism products, helping to reduce waste and promote more responsible practices.
European Union green certifications: labels and certifications that highlight companies and tourist destinations that meet high sustainability standards, providing recognition and confidence to travelers committed to more respectful options.
Green finance initiatives and European funds: European Union programs that provide financial backing and support for tourism projects with a strong focus on sustainability and environmental protection.
Security
Health and safety have become major concerns for travelers, both due to the pandemic and to various geopolitical and social situations. Effective solutions are needed to ensure these experiences and increase the perception of a safe value.
Health
Health protocols in tourism destinations, promotion of healthy transportation options and real-time medical information applications are increasingly valued. Considering health in sustainable tourism involves prioritizing the well-being of travelers, the environment and local communities, along with training industry personnel in optimal health and prevention practices.
Real-time health apps: Apps that provide information on nearby medical services, pharmacies and destination health guides. Online doctors, including access to online doctors and wearable devices.
Regular training: frequent trainings for tourism sector personnel focused on best health and prevention practices, strengthening the industry's preparedness and resilience.
Destination concept for holistic treatments: to bet on destinations that integrate holistic treatments, providing complete and healthy tourist experiences focused on the physical and mental wellbeing of visitors.
Infrastructure
Energy efficiency, the use of sustainable materials and the minimization of environmental impact are issues to be taken into account when talking about infrastructures if we want to bet on a more sustainable tourism.
Cameras and surveillance: implementation of security systems in tourist destinations to prevent crime and provide rapid response to incidents, ensuring the safety of visitors and the integrity of the environment.
Secure accommodations: establish standards for equipping accommodations with modern security systems, such as electronic locks and alarms, aiming to create safe environments for guests, strengthening their confidence and well-being during their stay.
Physical security
Safe and responsible experiences are essential. This involves the implementation of travel alerts and assistance platforms to ensure physical security, providing real-time notifications about conflictive situations.
Travel alerts: real-time notifications about situations that could affect the traveler's safety, such as extreme weather conditions, health emergencies or disturbances, allowing them to make decisions that ensure their well-being.
Assistance platforms: online services that connect travelers with local experts, offering valuable help in resolving queries and providing advice in emergency situations.
Insurance
Insurance is key in providing coverage for unforeseen situations, from travel cancellations to medical emergencies. They can be adapted to sustainable principles, considering ethical and environmental aspects, as well as encouraging responsible practices by including specific coverages for sustainability-related situations.
Personalized policies with AI: insurance companies use artificial intelligence to tailor policies according to the traveler's profile, history and preferences, providing specific coverage tailored to their needs.
Purchasing insurance from travel apps: the apps facilitate the direct purchase of insurance from the platform, offering convenience and accessibility for users seeking real-time protection.
Insurance on demand / as a service: this modality allows travelers to activate and deactivate their insurance according to their needs, paying only for the days they are covered, providing flexibility and efficiency.
Digital claims platform: Claims management is simplified with digital platforms, streamlining and improving the user experience by allowing claims to be filed and followed up quickly and efficiently.
24/7 virtual assistance: allows travelers to resolve doubts, find medical services and manage claims processes at any time, providing constant support.
Digital security
Protecting travelers' privacy and sensitive data is a top priority. Implementing cybersecurity measures is essential to safeguard personal and financial information, ensuring safe tourism experiences in responsible destinations.
Blockchain for reservations and payments: ensures secure and transparent transactions while protecting user data. It reduces fraud risks and guarantees the integrity of transactions.
Two-factor authentication systems: strengthen the protection of sensitive accounts and data, adding an additional layer of verification to secure the user's identity.
Virtual private networks (VPNs) for travelers: ensure privacy on public connections, protecting tourists' personal information from possible cyber threats and guaranteeing a secure digital experience.
Cybersecurity technology: strengthens defenses against digital threats, ensuring information integrity and user confidence in digital tourism environments.