CAF and SEGITTUR will promote technological innovation in the tourism sector

CAF – development bank of Latin America and the Caribbean – and the State Mercantile Society for the Management of Innovation and Tourism Technologies (SAG TOUR) dependent on the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism of Spain, and with the presence of the Director of Sustainable Tourism of CAF, Oscar Rueda García, and the Director of Research, Development and Tourism Innovation of SEGITTUR, Carlos Romero Dexeus, agreed to promote a model of tourism based on technological innovation and at the service of the digital transition of destinations and tourism companies.

The tourism industry has been deeply impacted by the latest technological advances. From the way trips are planned and booked, to the experience at destinations, technology is revolutionizing the sector. Online platforms facilitate the search and reservation of tourist services. Companies like Booking or Airbnb are key players in this transformation.

Immersive technologies such as virtual and augmented reality enrich the traveler's experience before and during their vacation. Tourist destinations adopt these innovations to offer previous virtual tours. Artificial intelligence and big data are applied to personalize suggestions and recommendations according to the individual interests of each tourist.

Internet of Things devices, such as sensors and virtual assistants, improve efficiency, comfort and experience in tourist accommodation. And mobile applications are essential for travel planning, navigation and management in the digital age. Likewise, technologies such as blockchain have opened new opportunities to address sector challenges in areas such as security and authenticity.

“Sharing the knowledge and experience in tourism innovation that both SEGITTUR and CAF have will be very beneficial to move towards greater sustainability and resilience of the sector in Latin America and the Caribbean,” said Oscar Rueda, from CAF.

Areas to work after CAF-Segitur agreement:

• Exchange of knowledge in technological innovation and digitalization of the tourism sector.
• Organization of knowledge exchange spaces, conferences, workshops and conferences aimed at public entities and companies to promote technological innovation and digital transition of destinations.
• Development of joint technical cooperation projects and data exchange on tourism innovation.