Spain to host 1st UNWTO int'l conference on "Smart Destinations"

Adopting new technologies is key to a sustainable tourism sector in the future, UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)'s secretary general Taleb Rifai said in a communique ahead of an international conference on "Smart Destinations" in Spain.

New technologies will "define 21st century tourism, which is committed to protecting ecosystems, local cultures, and social development", Rifai said.

The event looks to bring together government representatives and the private sector along with researchers and academics to address issues such as the introduction of digital applications in the tourism industry to help introduce more customized services, while protecting natural, social and cultural environments.

"It will be impossible to capitalize on the potential of tourism in aspects such as job creation and socioeconomic development if we do not commit to and move towards sustainable practices that are respectful of the environment and local communities," Rifai said.

The conference will include a presentation on research related to 21st century tourism and as well as businesspeople who have already developed products or services in the smart destination sector.

Starting on Wednesday, the two-day conference will be held at the city of Murcia in the southeast of Spain. Endit