The application period for its programme of grants for the generation of scientific knowledge applied to tourism was opened on 5 May. The initiative aims to promote the search for solutions to the main environmental, economic and technological challenges faced by tourist destinations in Spain with a view to improving their competitive capacity and long-term resilience.
“The tourism sector is undergoing a profound transformation, one that is developing very rapidly on a global scale, and is being shaped by two clear trends: digitalisation and the ecological transition. In order to continue offering a product that distinguishes us from our competitors, Spain needs top level research that will enable the development of new capabilities geared towards the big present and future challenges”, said the Secretary of State for Tourism, Fernando Valdés. (VIDEO)
This initiative forms part of the plan for the modernisation and competitiveness of the tourism sector, which includes the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan of the Government of Spain. This programme is dedicated to organisations involved in non-profit research and the dissemination of knowledge whose tax residence or permanent establishment is located in Spain.
Grants of between €20,000 and €150,000
Grants will be awarded to the centre of expertise for up to a maximum of 100% of the eligible budget. The grants will be for a minimum of €20,000 and a maximum of €150,000, provided that the projects fall within the field of R&D, and the purpose does not imply any form of direct economic activity.
The ultimate goal of the proposals submitted to the call must be the digitalisation of tourist destinations, and it must also address some of the following challenges:
- The recovery and resilience of the destination: crisis management, scenario simulation, early response strategies, regulation, standards, protocols, the labour market and working conditions, tourism businesses, competitiveness, etc.
- Sustainable, smart, connected and integrated mobility within the destination.
- Climate change, adaptation and mitigation strategies and measures in the destination; the carbon footprint, impact modelling, public and private strategies, etc.
- Sustainability, the ecological transition and the circular economy in the destination.
- Measurement, modelling and analysis of tourist activity in the destination: management of tourist flows, load capacity, overcrowding, economic impacts, development of indicators, predictive analysis, etc.
- Product or process innovation in the destination: tourism innovation, new differential tourism products and experiences, new market segments, new business processes, etc.
- Digitalisation: infrastructures and platforms, promotion and marketing, interaction with tourists at the destination, “frictionless” tourism, information management, tourism intelligence and big data, artificial intelligence, digital twinning, etc.
The deadline for submitting applications will be one month starting tomorrow at the Ministry’s website. Interested parties can send any queries they have to this mailbox. (consultas.ayudas@segittur.es)
