Coming up September 27th in Budapest, World Tourism Day (WTD) 2018 will focus on the importance of digital technologies in tourism. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) event will provide participants with opportunities for innovation and the potential
The growing importance of digital advances will be the major focus of this event, as new innovations are transforming how we connect and inform ourselves, transforming our behavior. The synergy of digital advance encourages still more innovation and sustainable, responsible growth strategies are the natural positive progression beyond commercial ideas. According to the UNWTO, this year’s WTD will help to put the opportunities provided to tourism, by technological advances including big data, artificial intelligence, and digital platforms, on the map of sustainable development.
The UNWTO sees digital advances and innovation as part of the solution to the challenge of marrying continued growth with a more sustainable and responsible tourism sector. UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili had this to say via the initial announcement:
“Harnessing innovation and digital advances provides tourism with opportunities to improve inclusiveness, local community empowerment, and efficient resource management, amongst other objectives within the wider sustainable development agenda.”
The WTD official celebration will be held in Budapest, Hungary, a country enjoying steady growth of tourism backed by consistent policy support and a commitment to the digital future. Other celebrations will take place worldwide.
The official celebration will also see the announcement of the semi-finalists of the 1st UNWTO Tourism Startup Competition, launched by UNWTO and Globalia to give visibility to startups with innovative ideas capable of revolutionizing the way we travel and enjoy tourism.
