Cardiff Met virtually attended a Museums Association webinar entitled Digital Futures Embracing New Strategies on 29th April 2021. Diana James summarises key insights on how museums in the UK responded to the challenge of the pandemic using digital technology, what they learnt and how the Next Tourism Generation project can help inform new strategies and address skills gaps.
Being enthusiastic in the profession he learned while managing, keeping alive, and planning the overall renovation of the hotel he is directing, all shows the multi-tasking personality of the interviewee. He is smiling and is optimistic, even during the years of Covid-19.
Knowledge of climate change, commitment to resource and environmental protection and appropriate measures to minimize negative impacts are important key skills for the Next Tourism Generation. The transfer of knowledge to the grassroots of the industry must therefore be an important goal.
Over the last 20 years, there have been numerous studies, guides and reports on climate change and on the role of tourism. The topic is not new. Now, however, the discussion is increasingly taking place at – a fundamental level.
In the week of 29th March 2021, local and international students from Cardiff Metropolitan University, Varna University, Bulgaria and City Unity College, Greece, studying for a MSc in Tourism and Hospitality Management, joined a 4-day virtual field study visit to Pembrokeshire in Wales. The Destination Pembrokeshire Partnership (DPP) made up of Pembrokeshire Tourism, Pembrokeshire County Council, PLANED & The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority have worked closely together to launch Pembrokeshire’s new Destination Management Organization ‘Visit Pembrokeshire’ in November 2020. This new Destination Management Organization is the first of its type in Wales bringing together the public, private and third sector to help drive growth and development.
Sometimes, it is very inspiring to look for best practices and case studies from all over the world. How can we support tourism stakeholders that have been impacted by the pandemic and more importantly, what is needed for tourism to become more resilient in the future, taking account of the changes in our climate? The European Commission has shown once again how important skills are for the future of tourism. Now, we must consider what concepts and ideas we can adapt to develop skills further.
COVID-19 has overwhelmed us like an avalanche: doubtless tourism PMIs have suffered this impact more than any other companies.
A few months ago, many tourism destinations were seeking solutions to the problem of over-tourism. Now, those same cities that were collapsing under the weight of tourists are desperately looking for ways to survive. Someone says that a temporary solution can be represented by workation.
An analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on the tourism market identifies a strong evolutionary change in the market itself and, as a result a focus on the positive and negative effects this is having at the green, digital and socio-cultural level.
Our NTG activities were slowed down especially in the first half of 2020 due to the COVID-19 lockdown. Still we collected some important information and these extraordinary conditions may give some impetus to the modifications of the NTG process.
Ana Momparler is a young tourism technician and works for a Private Tourist Services Centre called 4U, in the center of Priego de Cordoba, rated as one of the most beautiful small towns in Andalusia (south of Spain). 4U brings the entire tourism sector together in a single space: Travel Agency, Active Tourism, a local food and handicrafts shop, museums and tourist office management, etc. The office is a co-working space, shared with other local small tourism companies such as Zerca Hotels.
Technology is transforming visitor attractions. The use of digital technology is now commonplace in attractions, including museums, to engage visitors, enhance their experience, interpret information and bring history and stories to life. Today, visitors can see and expect more uses of technology in museums including interactive media exhibits, use of smartphones, augmented and virtual reality and interactive apps, to create memorable and personalized experiences. Additionally, virtual tours have played a key role in engaging with visitors during Covid-19. Digital skills are thus becoming increasingly important in the tourism industry. The importance and demand for digital skills across tourism sub-sectors is highlighted by the Next Tourism Generation Alliance.