ECOTOURS Innovation Contest: A Big Win for Sustainable Tourism!
The ECOTOURS Innovation Contest has officially concluded, marking a major milestone in fostering sustainable and circular tourism across Europe! Launched in November 2024, the contest challenged micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to develop digital solutions that enhance eco-tourism experiences.
6 national teams from Italy, Spain, Greece, Hungary, France, and Cyprus participated, bringing innovative ideas that integrate digitalization, gamification, and AI to promote responsible tourism.
And the winner is… Spain! The Spanish national team secured 1st place (312 points) with a groundbreaking AI-driven platform designed to personalize eco-friendly itineraries while supporting community-led tourism initiatives.
Winning Concept: A Digital Leap for Sustainable Tourism
The winning platform introduces:
– AI-powered itinerary customization for immersive & responsible travel
– Gamification features to engage users in sustainability challenges
– Accessibility options for inclusive tourism
-Integration of local businesses to support circular economy principles
-Crowdsourced ratings & reviews to enhance community-driven tourism
A Transparent Selection Process
An independent panel of experts in tourism, sustainability, and digital innovation evaluated all proposals based on innovation, feasibility, sustainability impact, and user engagement. The final results were communicated on January 31, 2025, with no objections received.
What’s Next? The Spanish team will receive a €10,000 financial prize to develop their IT system, reinforcing ECOTOURS’ mission of empowering MSMEs in the shift towards sustainable tourism. The platform’s development started in February 2025, with an official launch expected by May 2025.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue shaping a greener, smarter tourism future!
Visit the ECOTOURS website for more details! https://ecotours-project.eu/