Quito Poised to Become a Smart Tourism Destination

Quito is taking a bold step towards innovation, sustainability, and accessibility as it aims to become Ecuador's first Smart Tourism Destination (STD). This initiative positions the capital to leverage cutting-edge technology, promote sustainable development, and ensure inclusivity for all visitors and residents.

To drive this transformation, Quito's mayor, Pabel Muñoz, and the manager of the Quito Tourism Public Company, Etzon Romo, signed a landmark agreement with Spain's Secretary of State for Tourism, Rosario Sánchez Grau. The partnership underscores the city's commitment to improving its tourism competitiveness while adopting international best practices.

Quito Tourism is committed to enhancing the tourist experience by integrating advanced technology and sustainability into its tourism framework. The initiative will also foster meaningful interaction between tourists and residents, creating a vibrant and inclusive environment. By prioritizing these efforts, Quito aims to improve the quality of life for its residents while delivering memorable experiences for visitors.

Key benefits of the project include:

- Enhanced interaction between visitors and the local community.

- Seamless integration of technology across the tourism value chain.

- Comprehensive management of sustainability in tourism operations.

The initiative follows the model developed by Spain's Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism, in collaboration with Segittur (the State Society for the Management of Innovation and Tourism Technologies). This methodology evaluates 97 requirements and 261 indicators across five critical dimensions of a smart tourism destination: governance, innovation, technology, accessibility, and sustainability.

The project involves an in-depth analysis of Quito's tourism framework, with actionable recommendations and a monitoring system that ensures continuous improvement. By adopting this model, Quito aligns with global best practices recognized by entities such as the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the OECD, and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

Becoming a Smart Tourism Destination will also connect Quito to the Network of Smart Tourism Destinations, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing with leading destinations worldwide. This network includes public administrations, private-sector leaders, and academic institutions, creating opportunities for coordinated growth and innovation in the tourism sector.

During the agreement signing, representatives from Spain, including Enrique Martínez Marín, President of Segittur, and Carlos Romero, Director of Research, Development, and Innovation at Segittur, praised Quito's proactive role in advancing the Smart Tourism Destination framework. They noted that Quito's efforts place it ahead of other regional cities aspiring to adopt similar models.

The benefits of becoming a Smart Tourism Destination include:

- Improved competitiveness through better utilization of tourism resources.

- Enhanced efficiency in tourism production and marketing.

- A boost to sustainable development efforts.

- Improved visitor experiences and resident quality of life.

- Long-term economic revitalization through tourism-driven growth.

Quito's vision for smart tourism is part of its broader strategy to position itself as a global tourism leader. Key initiatives include:

- Active participation in international tourism fairs.

- Development of the SITUR innovative tourist information system.

- Attraction of international meetings and conventions.

- Promotion of rural tourism routes across the Metropolitan District of Quito (DMQ).

- Collaborative development of a participatory tourism agenda involving industry stakeholders.

Quito's commitment to becoming a Smart Tourism Destination represents a transformative step forward, solidifying its place as a forward-thinking, globally connected destination. By adopting this cutting-edge model, the city sets a benchmark for innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity in the tourism industry.