Calpe Town Council has launched the diagnostic process that will enable the municipality to apply for recognition as a Smart Tourist Destination (DTI), a model promoted by the Secretary of State for Tourism through SEGITTUR (State Society for the Management of Innovation and Tourism Technologies).
The mayor, Ana Sala, together with other councillors from the government team and technicians from different municipal departments, held a meeting with representatives from SEGITTUR to finalise the details of the implementation of this diagnostic process. The project will begin with an audit to assess the destination's level of maturity in relation to the five key areas of the programme: governance, innovation, technology, sustainability and accessibility. This analysis will be carried out using 97 requirements and 261 indicators, which will be used to draw up a comprehensive diagnosis and establish recommendations for improvement in each of the areas.
Among the benefits of implementing the DTI model are leadership in tourism transformation with a demonstration effect for other destinations, the generation of synergies between local actors and efficient use of resources, the strengthening of tourism governance and the improvement of Calpe's positioning thanks to a pioneering project at a global level. It also aims to foster a culture of innovation in the administration and the business community, increase tourism competitiveness and improve the visitor experience.
‘This process we are now embarking on is a great challenge for Calpe because of all the changes it involves; being a Smart Tourist Destination is not only about technology and innovation, but also affects areas as diverse as destination governance, sustainability and accessibility,’ said Mayor Ana Sala.
Smart Tourist Destination Programme
The Smart Tourist Destinations programme, managed by SEGITTUR, seeks to improve the competitiveness of Spanish destinations and the quality of life of their citizens. Recognised by organisations such as the World Tourism Organisation, the European Commission, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Spanish model is considered an international best practice and forms part of the 2019 Spanish Urban Agenda.
A Smart Tourist Destination is defined as an innovative tourist destination, consolidated on cutting-edge technological infrastructure, which guarantees the sustainable development of the tourist area, accessible to all, facilitating visitor interaction and integration with the environment and increasing the quality of their experience at the destination and improving the quality of life of residents.