Telefónica and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) have signed a new collaboration framework to promote tourism development that is more digital, sustainable and inclusive. The two organizations will focus on three strategic axes of digital transformation: nurturing global and regional innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems; boosting technological adoption in tourism; and promoting capacity building for a more digital, sustainable and competitive tourism sector that leaves no one behind.
Telefónica Tech and the UNWTO will promote the ‘Digital Futures’ programme, which seeks to accelerate the tourism sector’s economic recovery by scaling up small and medium-sized enterprises with the incorporation of new technologies such as big data, IoT, AI, blockchain, cybersecurity and cloud-based solutions.
Wayra Hispam, Telefónica’s open innovation area, is collaborating in the development of the World Tourism Organization’s Community Tourism Innovation Challenge in Colombia. The challenge aims to identify disruptive projects that help enhance the sustainability of the tourism sector.
Training processes will also be addressed so that employees can develop and take advantage of all the potential that digitalization brings to the tourism industry. Training cycles will be carried out on the application of technologies to tourism.
Telefónica is one of the world’s leading telecommunications service providers. The company offers fixed and mobile connectivity services, as well as a wide range of digital services for individuals and businesses. It is present in Europe and Latin America, where it has more than 383 million customers.
