Author: Lucija Barišić , Arctur
Tourism, renowned for centuries for connecting people and fostering economic growth, faces numerous challenges. Over-tourism, environmental pressures, and rapid digitalization have compelled the industry to rethink its approaches. At the forefront of this transformation are concepts like Tourism 4.0, innovative projects like Web3Tour, and tools like FLOWS and the Automated Assessment Tool (AAT). These changes are driven by blockchain technology, which offers new possibilities for enhancing sustainability, transparency, and trust.
The European tourism sector is crucial to the economy, contributing 10% to the GDP and employing more than 12 million people. However, pressures for sustainable resource use and better management are more significant than ever before. As part of the European Blockchain Strategy, tourism embraces technologies that ensure greater transparency and security while fostering collaboration and equitable benefit distribution.
Tourism 4.0 marks a significant shift from merely meeting tourist needs to placing local communities at the centre of the tourism ecosystem. This approach balances visitor numbers, reduces environmental impacts, and promotes sustainable growth by leveraging technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT). These innovations prioritize local communities, ensuring they directly benefit from tourism activities. The vision aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim for inclusive development that respects people and the planet.
Projects like Web3Tour explore how new technologies can transform tourism by increasing transparency and ensuring fair profit distribution. Blockchain’s decentralized nature enables secure transactions, creates reliable digital identities, and allows tourists to verify sustainable practices. Such tools enhance trust and empower local communities to set their terms for benefiting from tourism. Within the Web3Tour project, an accelerator program was implemented for selected companies from Slovenia, Cyprus, and Greece, focusing on blockchain in business, Metaverse environments, entrepreneurship, and greening the value chain.
The Automated Assessment Tool (AAT) further supports sustainability efforts by providing tailored monitoring of progress and readiness assessments. Combining qualitative and quantitative data, it identifies opportunities for improvement and enhances them with customized recommendations. Blockchain integration ensures the security and integrity of this process.
These innovative tools and projects transform tourism into a more resilient, responsible, and sustainable industry. By connecting advanced technologies and prioritizing local communities, tourism moves beyond traditional models, creating an ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders. Blockchain technology is pivotal in ensuring transparency, fairness and promoting collaboration.
The future of tourism lies not just in destinations or technologies but in rethinking the relationship between travellers, communities, and the environment. In an increasingly digital world, the tourism industry must embrace advancements like Web3, blockchain, and AI to remain competitive. By adopting these technologies, tourism can enrich traveller experiences while addressing the needs of local communities and nature. An emphasis on sustainability, shared value, and innovation will shape the industry’s progress and ensure a balance between exploration and conservation.
