International Tourism Day Manila Talks About Digitization and Innovations
Air travel is the main way of coming to the Philippines, an archipelago in Southeast Asia therefore, improving airports and the technology is very important. This year’s International Tourism Day held last September 27, 2018, at Dusit Thani, Makati had the theme Tourism and Digital Transformation.
Enrico Strampelli Head of Development Section of the EU Delegation on his closing remarks
The United Nations’ International Tourism Day started in 1980 and is celebrated annually worldwide on September 27. The event brings awareness of how tourism impacts sustainability, innovation, communities, and the economy.
The event in Manila is hosted by EU-Philippines Business Network and co-presented by the British Chamber of Commerce, CCI France Philippines, German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Italian Chamber of Commerce, Dutch Chamber of Commerce, and the La Camara Manila.
Also read: International Tourism Day 2018 this September 27
“Life should be connected faster and smarter.”
Not only to bring about technological advancements, but the ease of access and customer service in the ways we travel is also important. Currently, we have RFID bag tags, online and mobile check-in, airport face recognition, e-tickets, and automatic gates. However, more and more passengers want better technologies and faster processing. Especially in high-density traffic airports, alternative and faster technologies are currently being developed.
During the International Tourism Day in Manila, panel speakers Matt James, Senior Manager of Corporate Strategy and Business Development in Amadeus Asia Pacific talked about the impactful ways we can improve travel and tourism. Travel is seen to continue to outpace the global economy with the use of disruptive technologies such as biometrics, robotics, and voice.
The floor was open to questions from the attendees who all asked challenging questions to the speakers
Panel speaker Samuel David Country Manager of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) mentioned that with the rise in population and the rise of the middle classes in developing countries, passenger volume will double in the next 20 years. Therefore, self-service technologies that allow passengers to check in, track their bags and go through security is in demand.
Also read: TIEZA’s new tourism model promises competitive, inclusive growth through tourism
The host, Atty. Tony Abad and the speakers with their bottle of whiskey after the awarding of the certificate of appreciation
In line with this, Jack Tuason of Enderun Hospitality Management pointed out that many officers in the industry are old and are wary or uninformed of the new technologies. He feels that the best way is to put millennials in the position to bring in fresher ideas and innovations. Not only are they more versed in the fast-paced growth of technologies, but also more involved.
The night also doubled as a networking night for both local and international tourism agencies
Technology has surely gone through leaps and bounds but the innovation to apply these advancements for the use of travel, transportation, and tourism is still on its way. Only by applying digitization, by acknowledging the areas for improvement, and by employing the younger generation can tourism move forward. Only then can we can look forward to a future where we only need one ID in airports, print baggage tags at home, have robotics guide us, and order travel tickets through voice commands.
Also read: Tourism VS. Ecotourism: What’s the Difference?
