Quito: Charting a Course Towards Becoming a Smart Destination

Quito Turismo is embarking on a journey to transform the city into a Smart Tourism Destination (DTI), aiming to boost competitiveness through enhanced tourist experiences, improved resident-visitor interactions, the widespread incorporation of technology and advanced sustainability management.

This initiative follows the model spearheaded by the Spanish Ministry of Industry and Tourism, implemented through Segittur (State Mercantile Society for the Management of Innovation and Tourism Technologies).

Enrique Martínez, President of Segittur, expressed his enthusiasm: “It’s immensely gratifying to collaborate with Ecuador’s premier destination on its transition to a smart destination. This move demonstrates Quito’s commitment to an innovative tourism development model, already embraced by several Latin American destinations, which significantly enhances destination management and competitiveness”.

The project will involve a comprehensive analysis of Quito’s municipal data using Segittur’s methodology. This approach evaluates 97 requirements and 261 indicators across five essential components of a smart destination: governance, innovation, technology, accessibility, and sustainability, as detailed on the Spanish Ministry of Industry and Tourism’s website.

The DTI methodology has garnered recognition from esteemed organisations including the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the European Commission, and the Inter-American Development Bank.

In line with these efforts, Quito Turismo recently unveiled the Urban-Rural Tourism Information System of the Metropolitan District of Quito (SITUR). This comprehensive tool offers insights into the socio-economic dynamics, mobility patterns, and infrastructure of the capital’s tourism industry. By providing relevant statistical information, SITUR aims to promote efficient sector management and facilitate Quito’s transformation into a smart tourism destination.

-BreakingTravelNews