DIBEST digital transformation project to empower coastal micro-SMEs
The Western Development Commission (WDC) announced the commencement of DIBEST (Digital Innovation in the Blue Economy to Support Tourism), a digital transformation project aimed at micro-SMEs.
Funded by a European Regional Development Fund grant exceeding €2 million, the project will enhance the digital capabilities of the blue economy and social tourism sector in Ireland’s Atlantic Area and beyond over the next three years.
Drawing from insights gained from the Tourism 4.0 project, micro-SMEs have highlighted booking systems, revenue management software, and customer relationship management solutions as the most crucial technological tools for their operations. Looking ahead, the most relevant technologies for future implementation are related to online sales, followed by data analysis, automation, and cybersecurity. DIBEST aims to address these specific needs, enhancing the digital competitiveness, market access, and environmental sustainability of Atlantic area tourism micro-SMEs.
DIBEST is organised into strategic work packages, with the first led by Munster Technological University. This initial package involves a comprehensive situational analysis replicated across partner countries. The analysis is crucial for identifying the specific needs, opportunities, and challenges facing tourism micro-SMEs in the digital landscape. The insights gained will inform the customisation of subsequent training modules and digital toolkits.
Announcing the project, Ian Brannigan, WDC head of regional development, said: “The west coast of Ireland is one of the maritime treasures on Europe’s Atlantic seaboard. Enabling our SMEs to grow the associated marine tourism sector through the identification and adoption of best-in-class digital technologies is at the core of the DIBEST project. This aligns with the Western Development Commission’s strategic aim to connect our unique regional offerings in terms of communities, coastline, and experiences with global visitors.”
TechCentral Reporters
Subscribers 0
Fans 0
Followers 0
Followers