This deliverable, D1.2. Year release of top technologies, is provided by the TOURBIT project that aims to support tourism SMEs in the uptake of digitization and innovation by fostering their skills, knowledge and network. The deliverable is increasing digital awareness by introducing state-of-the-art technologies and trends in SME tourism. The deliverable has been provided by doing literature studies of ongoing trends and used technologies as well as gathering information and experiences from TOURBIT partners and their stakeholders relating to a selected set of technologies. This report is the second edition of the Year top release of technologies, which was presented for the first time in May 2022 and which gathered the current trends on technology and tourism at that time and focused on the first level of digitization. The 2023 report will give also an overview on the current technologies, thus providing further insights on the technologies related to the second phase of digitization.
Despite global pressures such as high inflation, the war in Ukraine and the consequent energy crisis, and the looming economic recession, the outlook for travel in Europe seems promising. Data from European Travel Commission (ETC) shows that by last year, Europe rebounded to 75 per cent of its 2019 or pre-pandemic travel volumes. Although happening at a slower pace the recovery is expected to continue throughout the coming year. The increase in visitors is already expected despite the ongoing pressures of inflation, the war in Ukraine and the resulting energy crisis, according to the report “[European Tourism: Trends & Prospects](https://etc-corporate.org/news/europes-tourism-rebound-predicted-to-continue-into- 2023/)” Commenting the publication of the report, Luís Araújo, ETC’s President, said: “Looking forward to 2023, we expect the tourism sector in Europe to continue its strong rebound. ... As the industry navigates the many challenges it faces this year, it is vital that the sector continues to be receptive to consumer demand, improving the visitor experience at destination and targeting markets and segments less affected by economic slowdown.”
According to global trends, the growth of SMEs in Europe in 2023 may be influenced by several factors. These include a continued emphasis on advancing digital operations across various value chains, prioritizing critical skills for employees, an increased attention on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues, and an ongoing focus on empowering women.
The truth is that SMEs in the tourism domain have utilized digital solutions in various ways but typically on a basic level. That's why in the TOURBIT project, selected emerging technologies have been mapped along three stages according to the level of digitization of the SMEs: 1) Getting ready, 2) Growing digital, and 3) Leaping ahead. This deliverable, Year 2023 Release of top technologies, is focused on the second stage technologies. The first year release in 2022 was focused on the first stage technologies even if it also introduced other stages by providing at the same time the wholeness and base of the digitization status in tourism SMEs. The following ones will be published in March 2024 and it will be focused on according to the third stages of digitization.
This deliverable, D1.2. Year release of top technologies, is provided by the TOURBIT project that aims to support tourism SMEs in the uptake of digitization and innovation by fostering their skills, knowledge and network. The deliverable is increasing digital awareness by introducing state-of-the-art technologies and trends in SME tourism. The deliverable has been provided by doing literature studies of ongoing trends and used technologies as well as gathering information and experiences from TOURBIT partners and their stakeholders relating to a selected set of technologies. This report is the second edition of the Year top release of technologies, which was presented for the first time in May 2022 and which gathered the current trends on technology and tourism at that time and focused on the first level of digitization. The 2023 report will give also an overview on the current technologies, thus providing further insights on the technologies related to the second phase of digitization.
Despite global pressures such as high inflation, the war in Ukraine and the consequent energy crisis, and the looming economic recession, the outlook for travel in Europe seems promising. Data from European Travel Commission (ETC) shows that by last year, Europe rebounded to 75 per cent of its 2019 or pre-pandemic travel volumes. Although happening at a slower pace the recovery is expected to continue throughout the coming year. The increase in visitors is already expected despite the ongoing pressures of inflation, the war in Ukraine and the resulting energy crisis, according to the report “[European Tourism: Trends & Prospects](https://etc-corporate.org/news/europes-tourism-rebound-predicted-to-continue-into- 2023/)” Commenting the publication of the report, Luís Araújo, ETC’s President, said: “Looking forward to 2023, we expect the tourism sector in Europe to continue its strong rebound. ... As the industry navigates the many challenges it faces this year, it is vital that the sector continues to be receptive to consumer demand, improving the visitor experience at destination and targeting markets and segments less affected by economic slowdown.”
According to global trends, the growth of SMEs in Europe in 2023 may be influenced by several factors. These include a continued emphasis on advancing digital operations across various value chains, prioritizing critical skills for employees, an increased attention on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues, and an ongoing focus on empowering women.
The truth is that SMEs in the tourism domain have utilized digital solutions in various ways but typically on a basic level. That's why in the TOURBIT project, selected emerging technologies have been mapped along three stages according to the level of digitization of the SMEs: 1) Getting ready, 2) Growing digital, and 3) Leaping ahead. This deliverable, Year 2023 Release of top technologies, is focused on the second stage technologies. The first year release in 2022 was focused on the first stage technologies even if it also introduced other stages by providing at the same time the wholeness and base of the digitization status in tourism SMEs. The following ones will be published in March 2024 and it will be focused on according to the third stages of digitization.
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