From 30.6. to 4.7.2025 in Bangkok, Thailand, the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) held its Training Course on Tourism 4.0 for Inclusive, Productive Rural Development, hosted by the Thailand Productivity Institute. The program gathered participants from 15 countries across Asia, all united by a common goal: to explore how technology and innovation can help rural communities thrive.
Dr. Urška Starc Peceny, Lead of Tourism 4.0 at Arctur, delivered as an expert a series of sessions on how sustainability, inclusiveness, and digital transformation intersect in rural tourism. Her insights on the 7 Steps of Tourism 4.0 offered participants practical tools to assess readiness and design actionable strategies for their own communities.
What stood out most during the week was the diversity and energy of the group. With representatives from 17 different cultures — spanning South and Southeast Asia, the Pacific, and beyond — every discussion was enriched by unique perspectives. The participants’ final presentations were a testament to both their creativity and their commitment to applying Tourism 4.0 principles back home. Each participant contributed their perspectives through readiness assessments and actionable plans based on the 7 Steps of Tourism 4.0. The resulting presentations highlighted both creativity and commitment, underscoring the potential of Tourism 4.0 to make a meaningful impact at the community level.
Paricipants also had the chance to see community-based tourism initiatives firsthand. These visits remind that the real impact of Tourism 4.0 lies not only in frameworks and strategies but also in the everyday lives of people who open their communities to visitors.
The week in Bangkok was an exchange of knowledge, experiences, and genuine friendships — proof of what can happen when diverse minds come together with a shared purpose.
