Let’s bet on smart tourism!
Written by: Neyde Cuna
Technology has taken over the world and is here to stay, a path of no return. The world has had to adapt and innovate, and tourism, where technology is practically a requirement, is no exception. In the field of tourism, survival and competitiveness are directly linked to technological development.
The digital world has given rise to the trend towards hyper-connected tourists who are quite demanding and look for quick answers and solutions, which has opened the way for the development of smart tourist destinations. In other words, it is not only the tourist but also the destination that has to be connected. These destinations are built on cutting-edge technological infrastructure and innovative spaces, products and services, ensuring the sustainable development of the region and the inclusive access of people with some kind of disability, which enhances the destination’s image. They bring unique, differentiated, rich and enjoyable experiences and greater interaction between visitors and the destination.
In a few words, the keys to a smart destination are technology, innovation and sustainability, and the experience itself. Without forgetting, of course, governance, because, acting alone, no one goes far. Things happen in destinations where there is strong, united governance with a common goal, which is to make the destination truly grow. Smart destinations are destinations connected to wi-fi, drones and artificial intelligence, where you can find, for example, robots that handle customer service, entertain children and guide guests, virtual assistance for planning trips and outings, and cars that are driven without drivers. Machines that do not rest, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It should be noted, however, that the human touch is always indispensable.
“We must position the destination and invest more in promoting it in the online world, otherwise it is not even considered as an option. Without up-to-date information and interesting content, such a destination attracts no one”
Such destinations deal with virtual reality and augmented reality, which allows potential tourists to be, or at least feel as if they are, in the place even before they are physically there. These are intense emotions and a great deal of interactivity with the destination, which make the consumer’s desire to actually be there grow. Only technology can bring about such a marvel! Virtual currencies, such as bitcoin and turiscoin, give tourists the option of travelling without facing the bureaucracy of currency exchange, and the famous big data optimises resources, allows the destination to know its potential visitors better, and makes possible an even more personalised offer, more efficient marketing strategies, and so on. The truth is that these technologies raise tourism and experiences to levels never seen before, combined with innovation and a great deal of creativity. This innovation does not need to be complex; in fact, good innovation is the kind that makes us reflect and wonder how nobody had thought of it before, as is the case with glamping, luxury camps that combine glamour and camping.
Spain is a pioneer in smart tourist destinations. Meanwhile, I see some opportunities for Mozambique, as a developing destination, to become smarter, which can be implemented considering our reality and bearing in mind that progress will not be immediate. We could, from now on:
encourage the creation of public-private partnerships to develop technological infrastructure in the country;
stimulate innovation and new experiences in the sector, since tourists look for incredible experiences, authentic and exclusive activities, different from those they have where they live;
find a mechanism to reward the most innovative companies in the country’s tourism sector;
position the destination and invest more in promoting it in the online world, otherwise it is not even considered as an option. Potential visitors look for information on the internet and, without up-to-date information and interesting content, such a destination attracts no one;
provide wi-fi in public places;
encourage good sustainable practices, not only in the destination but also in businesses;
create specific areas for selfies (so-called selfie zones), which has to do with mobile phones, technology in this case, and innovation. Today people go to a destination already thinking about the photos, and in particular the selfies, so nothing is smarter than encouraging them in strategic places, such as, for example, hotel and restaurant lounges. By posting them for their own pleasure, tourists will be promoting the destination.
The “I love Moz” initiative on Costa do Sol beach is a fine one, where people take selfies and end up promoting the company that created it and Mozambique, a destination that attracts tourists with its beaches.
The transition to a smart destination brings many benefits, including improved management, planning and image of the destination, enhancing the tourist experience, increasing competitiveness and driving sustainable development. This transformation is always worth betting on!
