This new Tourism Hub in Andalucía is created under the frame of innovation and management. It will attract and support startups and innovating projects by means of launching initiatives that bring different acting parts of the sector together and in turn, transform them. This is the first international tourism hub that aims to create an advantageous framework for innovation. Andalucía is clearly committed to become a new technological reference applied to tourism as this sector represents 11% of Spanish GDP. Tourism forecast suggests figures over 31.5 million tourists so Andalucía needs to have a clear project to position this destination globally and thus, add and attract conglomerates focused on this tourism and technology relationship.
The word ‘hub’ is undoubtedly linked to the brand ‘Impact Hub’ worldwide. This is a network of 95 spaces worldwide with over 16,000 members present in 94 cities. Facilities work as innovation labs, business accelerators and social companies’ communities. They work towards connecting the people who work there so that they can boost their own companies. This global community works and is organized locally; that is, each centre has its own innovation programs, events, contents and collaborations with other companies.
When we mention ‘hub’ cities, inevitably we think about the renowned Silicon Valley. This leading regions show the enormous power of these hubs. They foster ecosystems that impact on countries’ economies positively and thus, generate new opportunities and are a guarantee of a better future for people.
The presentation of the first International Tourism Hub took place at the facilities of the Andalucía Lab in Marbella, Málaga. This is its headquarters where 650,000 euros have been invested for the next three years and a half. The project has three phases; the first and the second phase aim to attract the international market so that international companies and projects are set and developed in Andalucía.
Andalucía wants to become a world tourism reference and this way
The Vice-president and Tourism, Regeneration, Justice and Local Administration Councilor, Juan Marín, highlighted during his presentation that Andalucía wants to become a world tourism reference and this way, is committed to promoting innovation and the use of new technology as well as generating wealth and high quality employment for this destination. Mr. Marín has guaranteed the support of the Andalusian Regional Goverment and he reminded that the budget invested on innovation and tourism research has been increased 52% and the 2019 Plan of Action has double its investment on promotion using new technology.
Juan Marín: ‘The tourism sector is continuously adapting and undergoing changes in the current cycle. The strongest destinations will be the ones that are better prepared and anticipate the transformation of this industry’. ‘Andalucía is an attractive place for tourism and technology companies. It has talent, professionalism and top level facilities so we can dream of being the best and so become an international reference’.