European ICT in tourism projects showcased in Malta

Four European best practice initiatives were presented during the Malta Communications Authority’s seventh e-commerce forum recently. A discussion also ensued on the importance of ICTs as the tools and the means to improved business operations and increased entrepreneurship. The projects presented can be implemented in Malta with some adaptation.

Acquisti Verdi nel Turismo (Green Procurement for Tourism) is a procurement platform for the hospitality industry that has been implemented in Emilia Romagna, Italy. Tourism is very important in this region but seasonality creates challenges.

Techcheck and Webcheck are two sister initiatives implemented in Galway, Republic of Ireland. Techcheck is a scheme that assists small businesses to improve operations through the adoption of ICTs. Over 1,500 Tech-checks were conducted and all clients received a written report with practical recommendations. Clients gave positive feedback and the initiative encouraged businesses to look at IT as a way to improve their business

On the other hand, Webcheck is aimed at businesses operating in tourism and assists in the design, development and promotion of web presence.

The role of social media and the challenges and opportunities it presents in today’s tourism were analysed.

The Video Guides of Viana initiative has been undertaken by the city of Viana in northern Spain and provides an interactive marketing tool for tourism establishments. It makes extensive use of multimedia and mobile technology and includes facilities for the disabled.

Representatives from local businesses, public authorities and other key bodies from the industry participated in this forum, which served as an opportunity to gain an understanding of foreign initiatives in the field and explore ways how good policy practices could be applied locally for the benefit of the Maltese businesses.

The e-commerce forum was held as part of series of initiatives undertaken under the ICT-VN project, a project partly funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the INTERREG IVC programme. The project seeks to promote and facilitate the creation of ICT enabled value networks across the participating European regions through better public policies.