The objective of this initiative is to promote sustainable tourism by providing SMEs in the sector with the necessary tools for their digitalization.
Public and private institutions from the countries of Ireland, France, Portugal and Spain participate, and will present their work progress in the first quarter in Malaga these days.
22/02/2024.- The through Promálaga, a municipal company belonging to the Area of Innovation, Digitalization and Investment Capture, participates in the European project 'Digital Innovation for Blue Enterprises and Social Tourism DIBEST' and hosts the second face-to-face meeting of partners until Friday. The objective of the project is to promote the sustainable tourism improving innovation and digital capabilities of SMEs in the sector and the blue economy in the Atlantic coastal region.
The main partner of 'DIBEST' is Western Development Commission and the four participating countries are Ireland, France, Portugal and Spain. In addition to Promálaga, the Malaga University y Malaga TechPark —which also organize the in-person meeting— and AGAN – Galician Association of Nautical Activities. It is 75% financed by FEDER funds through the Interreg Atlantic Area program, with a duration of 3 years. It started in 2023 and will end in 2026.
will be selected 80 microenterprises in the tourism field from the different regions selected to participate in the project, which will be provided with a set of knowledge and training based on their specific needs and their preparation for the digitization of your businesses.
During these 3 years, the countries participating in 'DIBEST' will work so that these companies can implement the most relevant technologies: online sales, data analysis, automation, cybersecurity, etc. In this way, they will be able to increase their competitiveness, access new markets and develop a more sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism within each region. This will be achieved through a series of activities such as training seminars, mentoring, coaching, community events and familiarization trips.
In addition, a knowledge repository will be created and disseminated on various platforms and made available to all tourism professionals throughout Europe, as well as higher education institutions.
MÁLAGA, HOME OF THE SECOND PARTNERS MEETING
The first face-to-face meeting of 'DIBEST' took place in the Irish city of Killorglin in October. The second meeting will be held in Malaga from yesterday to Friday, three days in which participants will present the actions they have carried out since October in the different work blocks: capabilities and good practices, support for SMEs, network of collaborators, adoption and expansion of technology, and communication.
The Councilor for Innovation, Digitalization and Investment Capture of the Malaga City Council, Alicia Izquierdo, attended the work day today at the Promálaga Economistas incubator on Beatas Street. Tomorrow, Friday, attendees will learn about the Malaga Accessible Tourism Plan, by the Tourism Area, and will collect ideas on the implementation and application of accessible and social tourism.
Among the partners participating in the 'DIBEST' project are organizations from different sectors and countries, such as universities, research entities, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and private companies. These organizations contribute their experience in digital innovation, sustainable tourism development, business management and education. Their collaboration seeks to integrate knowledge and resources to achieve the project objectives.
In addition to the face-to-face meetings each quarter, 'DIBEST' partners hold a online meeting once a month. More information about the project can be accessed on the Promálaga website: https://www.promalaga.es/proyectos-europeos/dibest/
