The collaboration agreement will extend until 2026 and will focus on digital entrepreneurship, innovation, the application of new technologies (big data, artificial intelligence, etc.) and talent development.
Telefónica and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) have followed through on their commitment to cooperate by signing a new collaboration framework, valid until 2026, with the aim of promoting more digital, sustainable and inclusive tourism development.
The United Nations specialized agency for tourism and Telefónica will continue to work together globally and focus on three strategic axes of digital transformation: nurturing global and regional innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems; boost technology adoption in tourism; and promote capacity building for a more digital, sustainable and competitive tourism sector that leaves no one behind.
New projects, new scopes
In this regard, Telefónica Tech, the strategic digital business unit of the telecommunications operator, and UNWTO will promote the “Digital Futures” program, which aims to accelerate the economic recovery of the tourism sector by developing small and medium-sized businesses with the incorporation of new technologies such as big data, IoT, AI, blockchain, cybersecurity and cloud-based solutions. These digital tools have the ability to transform businesses and make them more competitive, sustainable and resilient as they help them make better business decisions based on comprehensively analyzed data. These technologies also allow them to offer more personalized and competitive products and services, optimize resources and increase the profitability of the tourism sector.
As part of an effort to identify disruptive projects that contribute to improving the sustainability of the sector, Wayra Hispam, Telefónica’s open innovation area that connects the entrepreneurial ecosystem around the world, collaborates in the development of the Challenge of community tourism innovation from the World Tourism Organization in Colombia. , with the support of the Vice-Ministry of Tourism of Colombia. Its support through mentoring generates links with the business and venture capital ecosystem, which is essential for all entrepreneurs who work to offer innovative solutions and promote development, taking into account local communities as well as the natural and cultural heritage.
In addition, training processes (reskilling and upskilling) will be addressed so that employees can develop and benefit from all the potential that digitalization brings to an industry so important for the economy of many countries.
To this end, training cycles will be carried out on the application of technologies to tourism. These will be offered by key players who will aim to help those who are taking their first steps or wish to develop their projects. For their part, Telefónica and UNWTO will collaborate on learning initiatives through accessible content such as the Tourism, Gastronomy and Hospitality 4.0 Nanodegree developed by Fundación Telefónica and CEOE as part of the UNWTO Digital Futures program, focused on accelerating the economic recovery of the tourism sector through the growth of innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
About Telefonica
Telefónica is one of the world’s leading telecommunications service providers. The company offers fixed and mobile connectivity services, as well as a wide range of digital services for individuals and businesses. It is present in Europe and Latin America, where it has more than 383 million customers. Telefónica is a fully private company whose shares are listed on the continuous market of the Spanish stock exchanges and on the New York and Lima stock exchanges. www.telefonica.com
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