For advancing and shaping a tourism model for the 21st century based on based on innovation, technology, sustainability and accessibility, a World Conference on Smart Destinations would be held in Murcia on 15-17 February.
It would be organized by the UNWTO along with the Ministry of Energy, Tourism and Digital Agenda of Spain, and the Region of Murcia. Following the launch of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, Murcia is offering a platform for discussing important issues in global agenda of the tourism sector like innovation, technology, sustainability and accessibility.
The 1st UNWTO World Conference on Smart Destinations will bring together government representatives, private sector entities, researchers and academics, as well as technology centers. To quote Taleb Rifai, the UNWTO Secretary-General, “These themes, which are priorities of the work of the World Tourism Organization, define 21st century tourism: committed to ecosystems, local cultures and to economic and social development. It will be impossible to capitalize on the potential of tourism in aspects such as job creation and socioeconomic development if we do not commit to and move towards sustainable practices that are respectful of the environment and local communities.”
In the conference, research related to the 21st century tourism will be presented. A session will also feature entrepreneurs who have developed highly inventive products or services in the area of smart destinations. The conference will end with the reading of a manifesto summarizing the contributions of the participants, which will form the basis of the first UNWTO report on smart destinations.
