Tour tech, your 5 weekly takeaways to tourism SUccess

A podcast series to learn from successful collaborations between European startups and tourism SMEs

Welcome to the podcast Tour Tech, Your 5 weekly takeaways to tourism success, a series where small tourism businesses, such as hotels, campings, DMOs and travel agencies, are embracing new technology from innovative startups.

In this podcast, we are going to explore how startups are tackling the digital challenges faced by tourism SMEs. You’ll gain insights, hear success stories, and learn best practices.

    Podcast Tour Tech

    A NEW PODCAST SERIES CO-PRODUCED WITH DTTT

    This podcast series is created in partnership with the Digital Tourism Think Tank (DTTT). DTTT is one of the global tourism industry’s leading platforms specialising in digital transformation, sustainable development and industry trend analysis.

    The DTTT’s activities cover three key pillars; industry leading flagship events, advisory and consulting services and membership; giving access to extensive research, training and knowledge services. Support programmes and actions have helped 1000’s of SMEs worldwide to grow through digital, pivot, innovation and transform, through in-person and remote capacity building activities.

    Since more 18 years, they have led destinations and the travel and tourism industry to think about the importance of digital transformation and the impact of the ‘always on’ visitor, the multi-touchpoint path to purchase and the need for organisations to think differently about their approach.  They are the leading community of destinations, research institutes, corporate partners and start-ups dedicated to destination-led transformation, driven by digital leadership and innovation at the core.

    Where to Listen to the New Tour Tech Podcast Series

    SPOTIFY

    APPLE PODCAST

    AMAZON MUSIC

    About Tour Tech Podcast Series

    This podcast series promises to be a source of inspiration for businesses and individuals alike. As the “Tour Tech: Your Five Weekly Takeaways to Tourism Success” series unfolds, you can expect to hear firsthand accounts from entrepreneurs and industry experts, showcasing how technology is shaping the future of tourism. Through these stories, you will gain valuable insights and be empowered to embrace the transformative power of digitalisation.

    This podcast series goes beyond merely discussing digitalisation, delving deep into the personal journeys of entrepreneurs who have built successful companies. The series host, Marie Texier from Paris & Co, emphasises the captivating nature of the series; learning not only about the digital transformation journeys of SMEs, but also about the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the entrepreneurs themselves. These episodes act as entrepreneurship masterclasses, providing listeners with a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.

    Throughout the series, we shed light on the multifaceted nature of digital transformation in the tourism industry. From understanding user needs and embracing technology to promoting sustainability and fostering innovation, businesses that adapt and evolve alongside these trends are well-positioned to succeed in the competitive tourism market.

    Listen until the end to benefit from Nick Hall’s expertise, the founder of Digital Tourism Think Tank, as he unveils the 5 key takeaways to tourism success.

    here's what you will learn

    1. Understanding User Needs: The critical importance of understanding the real need behind data collection, ensuring that data is effectively utilised to address specific challenges. Similarly, the value of finding efficient ways to gather feedback from clients is highlighted, fostering a more responsive and user-centric approach.

    2. Embracing Technology: The growing acceptance and technological fluency among consumers, who now expect immediate access to information and appreciate innovative solutions like voicebots, which offer a conversational interface.

    3. Sustainability and Transparency: The challenge of demonstrating a commitment to sustainable travel and the growing importance of transparency and responsible practices in the tourism industry.

    4. Bridging the Gap Between Digital and Physical: The mission of connecting the digital and physical worlds and the constant pursuit of innovative solutions to create a positive impact for users and foster a seamless and engaging experience for travellers.

    5. Innovation and Adaptability: The need for adaptability to remain agile as technology and market dynamics change, requiring businesses to embrace a culture of continuous learning and process improvement to thrive in the long-run.

    Listen to the available episodes here

    Series Preview: Meet the Entrepreneurs and Innovators Reshaping Europe’s Tourism Future

    In the opening episode of Tour Tech: Your Five Weekly Takeaways to Tourism Success, you’ll learn about the Tourbit project and how it has equipped tourism SMEs through a three-step approach, involving learning, building and testing. You’ll also be introduced to Nick Hall, founder of Digital Tourism Think Tank and your host Marie Texier from Paris & Co and hear a preview of some of the digital transformation journeys that will be explored during the series. Click here to listen.

    EPISODE 1: SHAPING TOURISM STRATEGY WITH DATA-DRIVEN INSIGHTS

    In episode 1 of our “Tour Tech: Your 5 Weekly Takeaways to Tourism Success” podcast series, you’ll learn about the transformative power of data in shaping tourism strategies and aligning all stakeholders around the same objectives. Click here to listen.

    EPISODE 2: HOW AI VOICEBOTS ARE TURNING CUSTOMER INTEREST INTO HOTEL BOOKINGS

    In episode 2 of our “Tour Tech: Your 5 Weekly Takeaways to Tourism Success” podcast series, you’ll learn how Artificial Intelligence voicebots turn consumer interest into hotel bookings. Click here to listen.

    EPISODE 3: THE POWER OF TRANSPARENCY IN SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
    In episode 3 of our “Tour Tech: Your 5 Weekly Takeaways to Tourism Success” podcast series, you’ll learn how to calculate and communicate the environmental footprint of tourism activities to visitors.

    Click here to listen.

    EPISODE 4: UNLOCKING IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES WITH AUGMENTED REALITY
    In episode 4 of our “Tour Tech: Your 5 Weekly Takeaways to Tourism Success” podcast series, you’ll learn how augmented reality can create unique experiences that seamlessly blend the digital and physical worlds. Click here to listen.
    EPISODE 5: LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY FOR STRONGER CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS
    In episode 5 of our “Tour Tech: Your 5 Weekly Takeaways to Tourism Success” podcast series, you’ll learn how digitalisation can improve customer relationship management processes and enable behavioural segmentation and targeting that ultimately maximise visitor experiences. Click here to listen.
    EPISODE 6: Streamlining hiring processes to build a more commited workforce
    In episode 6 of our “Tour Tech: Your 5 Weekly Takeaways to Tourism Success” podcast series, you’ll learn how digital solutions can support tourism and hospitality companies to overcome temporary staff shortages and hire freelancers who share their values. Click here to listen.
    EPISODE 7: How AI chatbots boost guest engagement
    In episode 7 of our “Tour Tech: Your 5 Weekly Takeaways to Tourism Success” podcast series, you’ll learn how chat-based guest engagement tools can bridge communication gaps within businesses, driving impressive results for both guests and employees. Click here to listen.
    EPISODE 8: Optimising Guest Engagement Through Digital Innovation
    Today we head to Slovenia, where we meet Urša Fürst of Camping Menina, together with travel tech entrepreneur Klemen Furlan, CEO of GoGiro and HopGuides. Click here to listen.
    EPISODE 9: Building a stronger business thorugh sustainable design
    In episode 9, you’ll learn how to blend traditional hospitality with modern technological solutions and environmental responsibilities. Click here to listen. Click here to listen.
    EPISODE 10: Improving energy efficiency with data insights
    In episode 10, you’ll learn how to leverage the power of data to improve sustainability and lower carbon emissions associated with daily operations. Click here to listen.
    EPISODE 11: Embracing automation through customised technology
    In episode 11, you’ll learn how building strong partnerships with tech startups drives the transformation of hospitality businesses by integrating innovative solutions into their operations. Click here to listen.
    EPISODE 12: Unveiling traveller emotions for personalised trips
    In this episode, we delve into the emotional core of travel planning! Discover how travel agencies can leverage the power of emotional computing to craft unforgettable experiences that resonate with your clients. Click here to listen.
    EPISODE 13: Streamlining the guest experience in a digital age
    In this episode, dive into the real-world journey of implementing contactless hospitality solutions! Explores how Proactive Iceland and Hotel Breiddalsvik partnered to transform guest experiences through digital check-in, self-service options and upselling tools. Learn from their triumphs and challenges, from figuring out guest communication to developing solutions for lockouts. Click here to listen.
    EPISODE 14: How translation fuels touriusm success
    In this episode, discover how to leverage SEO best practices alongside translation strategies to optimise your website for international audiences. We’ll explore the power of translation, while also emphasising the importance of human expertise to ensure cultural relevance and SEO success. Click here to listen.
    EPISODE 15: Reflections on driving innovation amongst europe's smes
    In this final episode, we reflect on the transformative potential of digitalisation for tourism SMEs and the key learnings and takeaways we’ve heard throughout the series. The significance of collaboration and partnerships in improving competitiveness is also discussed. Click here to listen.