Tourism is undergoing a digital revolution, and the transformative potential of technology was on full display at the workshop "Introducing Digital Technologies in Tourism Business". Held as part of the Green, Digital, and Inclusive University of Primorska (GDI UP) initiative, this innovative event brought educators and professionals together to explore how cutting-edge tools can reshape the tourism landscape.
Urška Starc-Peceny and Matevž Straus from Arctur led the charge with captivating insights into the power of digital innovation. Urška highlighted how advanced strategies in regional destination management can empower tourism professionals to optimize resources, enhance visitor experiences, and achieve sustainable growth. Matevž showcased the groundbreaking potential of heritage digitalization, presenting techniques such as 3D scanning, modelling, and immersive VR/AR applications. These tools, he explained, not only preserve cultural assets but also create interactive, engaging experiences that redefine cultural tourism.
Participants had the opportunity to dive deeper into these advancements through hands-on workshops. Topics ranged from heritage digitalization to the integration of digital tools in national and regional destination management and innovative approaches to online sales and marketing. Each session provided practical, actionable insights aimed at preparing educators to integrate these technologies into tourism-related curricula.
The workshop culminated in a collaborative discussion on the role of digital tools in facilitating a green and resilient transition to Society 5.0, emphasizing sustainability and inclusivity as core principles. Co-financed by the Republic of Slovenia, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, and the European Union’s NextGenerationEU initiative, the event underscored a shared commitment to shaping a future-ready tourism workforce.
