The POCTEP HEPRESTONE project has officially commenced with an initial in-person meeting in Mérida, marking the start of a significant collaboration for the protection and conservation of cultural heritage. This meeting, aimed at establishing contact and taking the first steps of the project, was attended by the Regional Minister for Culture, Tourism, Youth, and Sports, Mrs. Victoria Bazaga, and Mrs. Adela Montaña Rueda Márquez de la Plata, Director General of Libraries, Archives, and Cultural Heritage. Members of the consortium, including the Extremadura Tourism Cluster, also participated, advancing the sustainable management of monumental heritage in the cross-border area.

Project Summary

The HEPRESTONE project, spanning three years, aims to protect the cultural heritage of the EUROACE area against factors such as climate change and mass tourism. It identifies and applies best practices and innovative measures for the monitoring and conservation of heritage sites.

Key components include the development of critical alert indicators and the creation of digital twins for pilot monuments such as the Alcazaba of Mérida, the wall of Évora, and the castle of Portezuelo. These digital twins will facilitate corrective maintenance, predictive conservation, and tourism management, employing an algorithm to monitor the alert indicators.

The project promotes sustainable tourism and preventive heritage management through the HBIM (Heritage Building Information Modeling) methodology, capturing and managing detailed information about the evolution of historic buildings. This intervention will help preserve heritage while boosting economic development and population retention in the cross-border areas of Extremadura and Alentejo.

Co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Interreg Spain-Portugal (POCTEP) 2021-2027 program, HEPRESTONE underscores the importance of cross-border collaboration in the protection and enhancement of cultural heritage.

Partners

• INTROMAC (Technological Institute of Ornamental Rocks and Building Materials Consortium) – Coordinator
• Directorate General of Libraries, Archives, and Cultural Heritage of the Government of Extremadura
• Polytechnic School of Cáceres, University of Extremadura
• Institute of Archaeology of Mérida
• Extremadura Tourism Cluster
• University of Évora
• ARROW 4D
• Commission for Coordination and Regional Development of Alentejo

On June 17th in Badajoz, the first in-person meeting of the ILUMINA Project took place, with the attendance of the Extremadura Tourism Cluster. This meeting marked the official start of the project and allowed participants to connect and take the first steps towards its development. The meeting concluded with a visit to the Castle of Ouguela in Portugal, one of the sites to be involved in the project.

Project ILUMINA Description

The ILUMINA project, focused on the cross-border regions of Extremadura and Alentejo, aims to promote sustainable tourism through the ornamental lighting of heritage elements. This initiative seeks to transform cultural, historical, and landscape resources into attractive tourist products, enhancing the nighttime tourism offering.

Main Objectives:

• Promotion of Night Tourism: Increase the nighttime tourist appeal in Extremadura and Alentejo.
• Local Economic Development: Generate new business and employment opportunities in the tourism industry.
• Innovation and Sustainability: Foster innovative and sustainable cultural tourism.
• Pilot Projects: Implementation of six pilot projects of ornamental lighting in churches, hermitages, and castles.

The ILUMINA project is presented as a key initiative to boost cultural night tourism and improve the management of cultural heritage through cross-border cooperation and the use of advanced technologies.

The tourism sector increasingly relies on technology to manage bookings, communications, and sensitive data. However, many businesses are unaware of the risks they face. The National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE) has launched a tool that allows tourism businesses to assess their cybersecurity in just 5 minutes.

With this tool, businesses can identify risks related to the use of emails, websites, mobile devices, and more, helping to protect both company and customer information.

Reflecting on these issues is key to improving digital security and avoiding potential incidents that could compromise business operations. For more information and to access this tool, visit:

The National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE) has launched the Sectoriza2 program, focused on strengthening the cybersecurity of companies in the tourism and leisure sector, which are increasingly exposed to cyber threats. This program provides organisations with specific guides and resources to protect their infrastructure, sensitive data, and online services.

Sectoriza2 offers tools designed to reduce cyber risks in tourism businesses, helping to enhance the protection of their clients and ensure service continuity. Among the resources offered by INCIBE are practical manuals, recommendations to prevent attacks, and guides on how to respond to security incidents.

The goal of this program is to ensure that businesses in the tourism and leisure sector adapt to a safer digital environment, increasing customer trust and improving competitiveness in the market. Sectoriza2 not only promotes awareness but also provides training and technical advice.

For more information and to access the Sectoriza2 resources, visit:

In November 2024, Cáceres will host the World Congress on Inland Tourism, organised by the Iberian Association of Inland Tourism (AITI). This event, taking place from 26th to 28th November, will address topics such as new mobility, sustainability, and present success stories from countries like Spain, Portugal, Peru, Equatorial Guinea, and Azerbaijan.

The main objective of the congress is to analyse inland tourism, its prospects and functioning, as well as future challenges. It will also focus on the cultural and social impacts of tourism in inland areas and the planning of actions for their socio-economic development. Topics to be discussed include religious and spiritual tourism and the sustainability of tourism with a view towards 2030.

Experts from various countries, including Spain, Portugal, Poland, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Morocco, Peru, Mexico, Colombia, Bolivia, Equatorial Guinea, Egypt, Iran, and the Philippines, will participate in the event through individual communications and round tables. Additionally, there will be an exhibition of inland destinations aimed at public administrations and companies, facilitating contact and collaboration between national and international tour operators.

The programme will also include a Fam Trip through Extremadura and Beira Baixa in Portugal, aimed at travel agencies and tour operators, to promote the marketing of these destinations. The congress will be supported by a scientific committee composed of over one hundred academics from 40 universities across 12 countries, who will contribute their academic work to the debate.

Thus, Cáceres is preparing to become the epicentre of inland tourism, promoting the development and sustainability of less-explored territories.

More information at:

The growth of digital tourism and the use of technological tools in hotels, travel agencies, and entertainment services make the sector particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks. The National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE) has identified tourism as one of the strategic sectors that must strengthen its security systems to protect user data and ensure the functionality of its infrastructures. From ransomware attacks to personal data breaches, the threats are diverse and can severely impact customer trust.

INCIBE works to provide resources, guides, and technical assistance to companies in the tourism sector, helping them mitigate risks and adopt best practices in cybersecurity. These measures not only protect organisations but also strengthen customer confidence, as consumers are increasingly aware of the importance of securing their personal data.

Additionally, INCIBE offers incident response services and promotes collaboration among sector stakeholders to share information on emerging threats and innovative solutions.

For more information on how to protect the tourism sector, you can visit the INCIBE website.

The International Classical Theatre Festival of Mérida has taken a significant step towards internationalisation by participating in the innovative European programme Dancing Histor(y)ies, a project funded by Creative Europe. This programme, which brings together 13 entities from 11 countries, aims to strengthen the ties between local communities and cultural heritage through dance and the performing arts.

Objectives and Participation

Dancing Histor(y)ies, whose motto is “binding communities and heritage through dance,” aims to strengthen the connection between local communities and cultural heritage.

The Mérida Festival, now in its 70th edition, has scheduled a series of activities including three workshops and three dance performances. These activities will take place until Sunday in various archaeological sites across the city, aiming to combine the best of theatre and performing arts with the enhancement of archaeological heritage.

Programme Presentation

The programme was presented by Pedro Blanco, Managing Director of the Festival’s Patronage Consortium, who explained that the Dancing Histor(y)ies schedule includes three workshops and three dance performances, all free of charge and requiring prior registration via online forms.

Performances and Workshops

The performances scheduled as part of Dancing Histor(y)ies include:

• ‘One Day We Will Be Statues‘ by ILDance (Sweden), which will be presented on Friday at 9:00 PM in the Roman Forum. This production, designed by Israel Aloni, is inspired by the three visits made to Mérida by the Swedish company to immerse themselves in the local culture, blending contemporary dance and sound in a historical setting.
• ‘Ícaro‘ by 420People (Czech Republic), which will take place on Saturday at 9:30 PM in the Temple of Diana. Marta Lajnerová, head of the company, highlights the collaboration of six dance students from Mérida in this production, underscoring the value of shared creative experiences.
• ‘Electra‘ by the Theatre and Dance Workshop of IES Santa Eulalia in Mérida, scheduled for Sunday at 9:30 PM in the Temple of Diana. This local production, directed by Juan Carlos Tirado with choreography by Alba Gog, integrates elements of Greek mythology in a heritage context.

Additionally, several workshops will be conducted to explore the intersection between performing arts and cultural heritage:

• ‘La caja de Pandora‘, directed by the flamenco dance company and school of Fuensanta Blanco, involves young people aged 10 to 30 in a creative process that will culminate in the performance ‘The Thread of Hope‘, on Thursday at 9:30 PM in the Temple of Diana. This workshop is inspired by the myth of Pandora, exploring themes of hope and resilience through flamenco.
• ‘Didactics of Dramatic Expression‘, a training course led by Javier Llanos and produced by TAPTC? Teatro, has been conducted from 1st to 4th July. This workshop covers techniques for group facilitation, creativity enhancement, theatre direction, stage production, and citizen engagement, offering comprehensive training for artists and educators.
• ‘Utilisation of Heritage Sites as Venues for Performances‘, a seminar that will take place on Thursday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Festival’s headquarters. Managed by the Institute of Archaeology of Mérida, this workshop will analyse the use of heritage buildings as performance spaces, with lectures on the Temple of Diana, the Forum Portico, and the Parador of Mérida, followed by a round table discussion on how to use these spaces without compromising their identity.

Reflections and Future

Jesús Cimarro, Director of the Mérida Festival, highlighted how the project focuses on promoting archaeological sites through the performing arts, defining an innovative, effective, and replicable model for the enhancement of cultural sites. This model aims to actively involve local communities in artistic production and conscious enjoyment of heritage, while also promoting the international participation and circulation of European artists.

Antonio Marín, Director of the Centre for Performing Arts and Music of Extremadura (CEMART), emphasised that “dialogue” is the word that defines Dancing Histor(y)ies, highlighting the importance of communication between performing arts and heritage, among different institutions, and across various countries. This approach demonstrates that “culture is a key that opens doors to cross borders and establish collaborations.” Marín also noted that the Mérida Festival is the only event held in four archaeological sites, reinforcing its uniqueness and commitment to heritage conservation while crossing borders throughout Europe.

Israel Aloni, from ILDance, expressed his enthusiasm for participating in this event, highlighting that Mérida offers an inspiring environment that combines history and contemporary art. Marta Lajnerová, from 420People, also appreciated this European initiative, thanking the Mérida Festival team for their collaboration in bringing her performance to such an iconic setting.

Pedro Mateos, Director of the Institute of Archaeology of Mérida, advocated for the use of heritage buildings as performance spaces, emphasising the need to preserve their essence while exploring new ways to utilise them. The seminar’s round table will provide a platform to discuss these issues in depth, involving both archaeologists and performing arts professionals.

Images by Jero Morales / Mérida Festival

The Hotel Technology Institute (ITH) has launched the Cyber Risk Guide for the hotel sector, designed to help tourist accommodations understand and manage cyber risks. This resource, developed as part of the Hotel SOC project and funded by the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Tourism, provides information on the digital threats faced by the sector, the potential consequences of a cyber incident, and the preventive measures necessary to strengthen digital security.

Key Points of the Guide

1. Understanding Cyber Risks: The guide outlines the specific cyber threats facing the hotel sector, highlighting the importance of cybersecurity in protecting sensitive guest data and internal operations.
2. Preventive Measures: It provides recommendations on how to implement effective security practices, including the use of security software, staff training, and the establishment of digital security policies.
3. Resources and Tools: It offers a list of useful resources and technological tools that hotels can use to improve their cybersecurity.

Benefits for the Sector

Implementing these measures not only protects hotels from potential cyberattacks, but also strengthens customer trust by ensuring the security of their personal data. Additionally, the guide promotes a culture of digital security among employees, encouraging responsible and informed practices.

For more details and to download the full guide, visit ITH.

The tourism sector is experiencing a significant increase in demand for professionals with technological skills. According to recent data, the need to integrate digital tools and data analysis has led to a 30% rise in demand for technology experts over the past year. This digital transformation is essential for enhancing customer experience and optimising operations.

Technological Adaptation

Tourism companies are adopting new technologies to remain competitive. It is estimated that 75% of tourism businesses plan to increase their investment in technology over the next two years. This investment is focused on improving key areas such as data analysis, digital marketing, and cybersecurity.

Training and Skills

To address this growing demand, specific training programs have been developed. The most valued skills include data analysis, digital marketing, and cybersecurity. A recent report highlights that 60% of companies in the sector have begun training their staff in these areas to keep up with technological trends.

Impact on the Sector

The adoption of digital technologies has optimised operations and improved data-driven decision-making, enabling more personalised services. Additionally, digital transformation contributes to the sector’s sustainability through more efficient resource management. It is expected that technological integration will drive a 20% increase in the productivity of the tourism sector by 2025.

For more information, read the full article on the Galicia Tourism Cluster website.

Cybersecurity has become a priority for tourism businesses, as cyber threats constantly evolve and can severely impact operations. Implementing threat intelligence enables companies in the sector to identify, process, and analyse information about potential attacks, anticipating their impacts and protecting their systems.

Strategies and Protective Measures

• Sources of Information. Identifying and selecting relevant sources for the tourism sector is crucial. Platforms like Cyber Threat Alliance provide information on specific threats to connected devices in hotels and other tourist establishments.
• Analysis and Response. After identifying threats, it is vital to analyse the information and update security systems accordingly. Staff training is equally important to prevent fraud, such as identity theft on booking platforms.
• Continuous Evaluation. Companies should regularly review their intelligence sources and cybersecurity strategies to ensure they are effective. This includes adjusting processes and enhancing staff training to stay up-to-date with the latest threats.

Benefits for the Tourism Sector

Implementing a cyber threat intelligence programme based on standards such as ISO 27001 or NIST-800 not only protects sensitive company information but also improves their ability to respond to attacks. This is essential for maintaining customer trust and ensuring business continuity in an increasingly digital and connected environment.