Andalucía Aims to Host Future European Centre of Sustainable Tourism
Arturo Bernal, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport for the Junta de Andalucía, has revealed plans to establish the future European centre of competence in sustainable tourism and data management on the Costa del Sol. Marbella has been selected as the preferred location due to its international reputation for sustainable tourism management.
Meeting with EU Project Tourism of Tomorrow Lab
The announcement was made during a meeting in Marbella between Bernal and the technical team for the EU project Tourism of Tomorrow Lab (ToT Lab). ToT Lab is the data science and management department of NECSTouR, a network of European regions established in 2007 to promote sustainable and competitive tourism. The network comprises over 40 regional authorities, including the Junta de Andalucía, and around thirty associate members.
Andalucía’s Role in Sustainable Tourism
Bernal expressed his desire to position Andalucía at the forefront of the future entity. He emphasized that Andalucía, which held the presidency of the network until 2023 and now holds the vice-presidency, is leading the main projects of the network. This demonstrates the Andalusian government’s commitment to sustainable tourism management.
Andalucía’s Involvement in European Projects
Bernal also mentioned that Andalucía is leading or participating in seven European projects related to the development of sustainable and quality tourism. These initiatives aim to identify and standardize variables that allow European destinations to effectively measure sustainability.
Andalucía Lab’s Contribution to Innovation Strategy
In his address to the working team, Bernal praised Andalucía Lab’s efforts in designing the region’s current and future innovation strategy. He also highlighted the region’s commitment to using indicators that ensure tourism activity generates positive impacts, benefits its residents, and protects the territory.
ToT Lab Project’s Role in Improving Tourism Analytics
Bernal noted that the ToT Lab project supports regions in improving tourism analytics and encourages data-driven decision-making, ensuring sustainable benefits. The success of this initiative has led to the creation of the new data management centre, which is backed by international institutions such as UN Tourism, Eurostat, and the OECD.
Andalucía as the Ideal Candidate for the New Entity
Bernal concluded by stating that the proposal to locate the new entity in Andalucía aims to establish a continuous channel of communication and collaboration between the centre and other projects. He argued that Andalucía is the ideal candidate due to its commitment to innovation and sustainability.
The Tourism of Tomorrow Lab Initiative
The Tourism of Tomorrow Lab initiative will facilitate the development of new technologies to enhance the tourist experience and efficiencies within the tourism industry. It will promote sustainable tourism by reducing its environmental impact, foster inclusive and global tourism, and ensure access to tourism experiences for all. Andalucía, being a leading tourist destination worldwide and the most visited region in Spain, provides the ideal conditions to host this initiative.
