The ECOTOURS Innovation Contest has successfully concluded, marking a significant milestone in the project’s mission to foster sustainable and circular tourism. Launched in November 2024, the contest aimed to encourage micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to develop innovative digital solutions that enhance eco-tourism experiences across Europe.
With 6 national teams from Italy, Spain, Greece, Hungary, France, and Cyprus participating, the competition saw an array of creative proposals integrating digitalization, gamification, and artificial intelligence (AI) to promote responsible and circular tourism. After a rigorous evaluation process, the Spanish national team emerged as the contest winner (312 points) with a groundbreaking AI-driven web platform designed to enhance personalized, sustainable travel experiences.
The Winning Concept: A Digital Leap for Sustainable Tourism
The winning proposal introduces a smart platform that tailors eco-friendly itineraries to travelers’ preferences while fostering community-led tourism initiatives.
The key features include:
- AI-powered itinerary customization for responsible and immersive travel
- Gamification elements to engage users in sustainable tourism challenges
- Accessibility options for inclusive tourism
- Integration of local businesses to support circular economy principles
- Crowdsourcing features enabling user-generated ratings and reviews
This innovative approach not only enhances user experience but also strengthens local tourism networks, ensuring long-term sustainability and economic resilience in the sector.
A Transparent Selection Process
The proposals underwent a meticulous evaluation process led by an independent panel of experts in tourism, sustainability and digital innovation. Criteria such as innovation, feasibility, sustainability impact, and user engagement played a pivotal role in selecting the winning idea.
On January 31, 2025, the results were officially communicated to all participants, with no objections received. The Spanish team will receive a €10.000 financial prize to develop and implement their proposed IT system, reinforcing ECOTOURS’ commitment to supporting SMEs in the transition towards sustainable tourism.
What’s Next?
The development phase of the winning idea began in February 2025, with the final platform expected to launch by May 2025. The ECOTOURS consortium will continue to support MSMEs, ensuring that the project’s sustainable tourism models leave a lasting impact on local communities and the European tourism landscape.
Stay tuned for further updates and follow our journey towards a greener, smarter tourism future!
👉 Visit ECOTOURS Website for more details.