The Tourism Innovation Summit (TIS) 2024 has announced the call for entries for the prestigious Tourism Innovation Awards, which recognise the most innovative companies and professionals in the tourism sector. Applications are open until 6th September 2024, and organisations are invited to submit their entries or nominate their peers in various categories. These awards celebrate creativity and adaptability in a constantly evolving sector.

Award Categories

The awards include several key categories, such as:

• Best Customer Experience: Recognises initiatives that have significantly improved the customer experience.
• Best Digital Transformation: Awards companies that have implemented innovative digital solutions, transforming their operations.
• Sustainability Leadership: Highlights organisations that have made significant advances in sustainability and environmental responsibility within tourism.
• Most Innovative Start-Up: Aimed at startups that have introduced groundbreaking ideas in the industry.
• Best Strategy to Rebuild Post-COVID: Recognises the most effective strategies for recovering from the impact of the pandemic.

The winners will be announced during TIS 2024, which will take place in Seville from 29th to 31st October. This event is a unique opportunity for industry leaders to share their experiences, explore new ideas, and prepare for the future of tourism.

How to Participate

To participate, interested companies and professionals must complete the online registration form before the deadline. Applications will be evaluated by a panel of experts in tourism, innovation, and technology, who will select the winners based on their impact, creativity, and relevance.

TIS 2024 promises to be a gathering place for visionaries in the sector, and the Tourism Innovation Awards are an opportunity to highlight those leading the way towards a more innovative and sustainable future for tourism.

For more information on how to submit an application or nominate a colleague, visit the official TIS website.

The Hotel Technology Institute (ITH) has released a study exploring the possibility of creating a Security Operations Center (SOC) for the hospitality sector. This center would be responsible for monitoring and protecting hotel technological infrastructures against cyber threats in real-time. A SOC, in simple terms, is a specialised unit that detects and responds to security incidents, safeguarding the organisation’s sensitive data.

Implementing a SOC would help improve the digital security of hotels, providing protection against potential cyberattacks that could compromise customer and employee data, as well as business operations. This study aims to help hotels assess the feasibility and benefits of having a SOC, particularly in a sector so reliant on technology like tourism.

For more details and to access the full report, you can visit:

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:

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 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.

Personalisation and Tailored Experiences

The tourism sector is adopting advanced technologies to meet the growing demand for personalised experiences. Artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) are transforming how travellers interact with destinations. Hotels, for instance, are integrating these technologies to offer differentiated experiences, such as interactive entertainment spaces and gamified activities.

Digital Transformation and Sustainability

Augmented reality in museums and historical cities allows tourists to visualise the past of the places they visit. Additionally, the incorporation of AI and other technologies facilitates the creation of innovative and multisensory culinary experiences. Social media plays a crucial role in connecting with Generation Z, using platforms like Instagram and TikTok to influence travel decisions and effectively promote tourist destinations.

Key Benefits:

• Enhanced Engagement: Immersive technologies increase tourist participation and interest.
• Unique Experiences: Personalisation and gamification provide memorable travel experiences.
• Operational Efficiency: AI and digital technologies optimise tourism management and improve sustainability.