Smart Data Management – Creating a sustainable, digital collaboration between agriculture and tourism
March 21 @ 16:00 – 17:30 UTC+1
This insightful session, led by Barbara Weiskopf, Katharina Weiskopf, and Alexander Plaikner from the University of Innsbruck, Austria, will explore innovative digital strategies for integrating agriculture and tourism.
Ecotourism has emerged as a major travel trend in recent years and is becoming increasingly important as a sustainable tourism concept. Nature-based travel, for example, aims to minimize negative environmental impacts, protect landscapes and raise awareness of natural and cultural values. However, it is often difficult to distinguish it from related concepts such as sustainable tourism or agritourism.
Digitalization creates new opportunities for collaboration between agriculture and tourism. It makes it easier to book agricultural experiences (e.g., bread baking courses, pony rides) through digital platforms. Farm holidays could also be made accessible to people with disabilities, starting with the booking process (e.g., large fonts, image descriptions). This creates added value for farmers and tourists, diversifies existing offers and creates responsible tourism. Online platforms for marketing regional products can also contribute to the development of a circular economy between the sectors. Digital farm shops can increase the value of farms and make them more resilient, which has been particularly reinforced by the COVID-19 pandemic.
These developments highlight the potential of digitalization in promoting sustainable ecotourism and strengthening the synergy between agriculture and tourism. By facilitating access to nature-based experiences and regional products, digital tools can enhance environmental awareness, support local economies, and contribute to responsible tourism. Moreover, integrating accessibility features into digital booking platforms ensures that farm-based tourism becomes more inclusive, fostering a tourism model that is both sustainable and socially responsible.
Join the event live by clicking here.