EUREKA PROJECT > 3810 EUREKA TOURISM 

Project Description

The EUREKA TOURISM project is designed to be a European response to innovation technology requirements in the tourism sector and also a strategic action launched within the framework of the EUREKA Programme for the development of tourism, leisure and cultural industries through technological innovation. The objective of this strategic project is to apply new technologies for the improvement and sustainability of the tourism, leisure and cultural industry as well as to increase standards of living for European citizens. The main objective of TOURISM is to become a framework in which enterprises, business associations, research institutions and public administrations (at local, regional, national, EUROPEAN UNION and EUREKA levels) can work jointly in order to: - Promote sustainable development of the European tourism and leisure industry through technology application and new services; - Define, based on knowledge of this sector, the main work-lines in the field of innovation and technological development, with participation from all the actors involved; suppliers, producers, intermediaries, users and public bodies, focusing particularly on SMEs (Small and Medium Sized Enterprises); - Interchange information and points of view in order to launch collaborative projects in the framework of EUREKA and other R & D initiatives; - Establish international contacts and find partners, and define an international collaboration framework for the new technology applications; - Present the current Action Plan and promote future support for initiatives of different administration bodies. The current Project is the continuation of the former EUROTOURISM project approved in 2001, and that ended in 2004. This represented a first and unique initiative on a world-scale. Concretely, EUROTOURISM is a strategic project launched within the EUREKA Framework, involving the application of technology to tourism and leisure in a European Cooperation environment, and promotion of the use of knowledge, innovation and technology in the tourism, leisure and culture sectors. Because of the new global economic situation, as well as market needs, the new EUREKA TOURISM project will follow this line (however restructured) using the knowledge achieved in the former EUROTOURISM project. In order to get off to a good start, the experience gained will be used to advantage when launching the EUREKA TOURISM project. In connection with the Working Areas already stressed, used and developed in the EUROTOURISM project, new emerging and declining concepts have appeared. Keywords: tourism, technology, innovation.

Technological Development Envisaged

The working lines and areas for the development of R&D projects are the following: - Technologies for content, creativity and personal development: This area includes all those developments related to new forms of communication, information and knowledge management. As well as all developments driving for improvement in terms of personal productivity and consequently improvement in terms of employment such as adaptable learning systems, product development and modelling and evaluation systems. - Technologies: Support to public/private tourist companies and organisations: This area includes all projects in relation to productivity improvement in organisations such as new forms in terms of manufacturing, marketing, commercialisation and generally improvements of the user service. - Technologies. Contact with social challenges: This area includes all projects related to disabled person accessibility to buildings as well as the use of cultural and tourist assets in a multilingual environment. This area especially concerns the development of projects related to the protection of the environment in order to have a sustainable development of tourist destinations. - Technologies: Confidentiality and security: This area includes all projects related to identity management and authenticity to enhance privacy and the management of rights and assets. - Future and emerging technologies: In general, this area includes all projects that intensively make extensive use of emerging (and often future) technologies for the support of advanced services and for the development of projects and studies.

Contribution to project

- Quality and Sustainability. - Working Process, Knowledge and Human Resources Management. - New Product Launching and Services. - Infrastructure and Destination Management. - Information Services, E-Commerce. - New Business Areas.

Expertise

The Institute is a non-profit private entity devoted to improving the competitive capability of the Spanish Hotel Industry. It was created by the SPANISH HOTELS CONFEDERATION in order to have an I+D institution working specifically on applying innovation to the Spanish hospitality sector. Its headquarters are located in the capital city of SPAIN, Madrid, but it has an overall and national scope of action. The SPANISH HOTELS CONFEDERATION is known as the management association for the sector and comprises more than 8,700 hotels providing employment to more than 178,000 people. The main function is to promote cooperation between enterprises, to sensitise our members about the need for training and advising, to foster any initiative that introduce changes and innovations that help keep the Spanish hotel industry at the top, and to anticipate changes in tourist dynamics and models. ACTIVITY AREAS: - Accommodation. - Information Technology. - Innovation in the Hospitality Industry.

Contribution to project

- Quality and Sustainability. - New Product Launching and Services. - Infrastructure and Destination Management. - Information Services, E-commerce. - New Business Areas.

Expertise

The Austrian National Tourist Office is an impetus-giving and innovative player in the network of the Austrian tourism and leisure industry. In its new structure, ANTO is efficiently fulfilling its public service tasks. Through the sale of customised marketing services, ANTO is growing in strength. As a worldwide network, ANTO collects information on markets, analyses the data and provides corresponding product impetus. ANTO gives AUSTRIA a clear and recognisable tourism image and offers tourism businesses in AUSTRIA market-oriented services. The top priority will always be the service and customer-orientation of Austrian tourism. ANTO has participated in national programmes in AUSTRIA.

Contribution to project

- Quality and Sustainability. - Working Process, Knowledge and Human Resources Management. - New Product Launching and Services. - Infrastructure and Destination Management. - Information Services, E-Commerce. - Cultural Heritage. - New Business Areas.

Expertise

The Institute is a technology centre for tourism, leisure and quality of life, founded in 2004 and located in Cadiz (Andalusia, SPAIN). The main activity includes research, development and innovation structured in the following divisions: - Information Technology Division; - Culinary Technologies Division; - Sustainable Tourism Division; - Tourism Equipment Division; - Strategic Management Division. The centre is supported by the TECNALIA Technology Corporation and several organisations and companies of the tourism sector. ACTIVITY AREAS: * Travel Agency; * Amusement and Thematic Park; * Transport; * Active Tourism; * Rural Tourism; * Cultural Tourism; * Restoration; * Accommodation; * Information Technology; * Mass Media; * Services; * Training; * Consulting; * Content and Publicity. So far, TECNOTUR researchers have been participating via the TECNALIA Corporation in several R&D programmes, e.g. - Innovation needs in Andalusian tourism establishments (Private Project). - Prospective study in tourism (MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY). - Strategic tourism plan for the Basque Country (Local government): * Guide to R&D in tourism; * Innovation in tourism; * R&D unit for tourism. - Technology transfer: aerospace technologies for the tourism industry (Local administration). - Analysis of innovation in tourism in the Province of Cadiz (MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY). At present, TECNOTUR is preparing several proposals within regional and national programmes (e.g. CENIT), and is keen on participating in a European programme.

Contribution to project

Innovation Technology Areas of Interest: * Information Technology and Communications * Internet * E-Commerce * Language Management Contribution to the EUREKA TOURISM Project * Quality and Sustainability * Working Process, Knowledge and Human Resources Management * New Product Launching and Services * Information Services, E-commerce * Cultural Heritage * New Business Areas

Expertise

Lionbridge is a multinational leader in the creation and adaptation of multilingual content and applications. Key activities include authoring, translation, interpreting, software development, maintenance & testing, and development of e-learning materials. Activity Areas: Travel Agency * Content and Publicity * Web Transition R&D programmes: several projects in the eContent programme

Contribution to project

UMBRELLA PUBLIC REPRESENTATIVE (NUP) Supporting umbrella activities and projects with Turkish SMEs, large firms, universities and research institutes.

Expertise

A main national R&D funding body, TUBITAK has various funding mechanisms supporting SMEs and large firms projects in all technology areas including agro food sector. There is also TUBITAK Food Institute with several researchers in Marmara Research Centre

Contribution to project

Information services, E-commerce.

Expertise

- Information Technology. - Services.

Contribution to project

INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY AREAS OF INTEREST: - Information Technology and Communications. - Internet. - E-Commerce. WORKING AREAS: * Working Process, Knowledge and Human Resources Management. * New Product Launching and Services. * Infrastructure and Destination Management. * Information Services, E-Commerce. * New Business Areas.

Expertise

The Research Centre aims at developing better circumstances and operational environments for enterprises operating in different experience branches by transmitting the top know-how concerning industry experience between universities, polytechnics, business life and customers, by encouraging different actors to cooperate and by pooling tourism, design, digital media and entertainment businesses and knowledge. LCEEI provides product development services that concentrate on defining and developing existing or new product experiential qualities. LCEEI modifies international professionalism and expertise into information resources for business employment and regional development. By having an experiential product range, a company can gain significant competitive advantage and added-value given its image. LCEEI's R&O chain of product development services is designed to support a company's product development process. With these services, the company is able to enhance the experimental value of the product and maintain its quality. ACTIVITY AREAS: - Amusement and Thematic Park - Transport - Active Tourism - Rural Tourism - Cultural Tourism - Information Technology - Mass Media - Services - Training - Consulting - Content and Publicity. LCEEI has taken part in national R&D programmes (the Technology Programmes of TEKES, the FINNISH FUNDING AGENCY FOR TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION; Northern Finland's Innovative Actions Programme).

Contribution to project

INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS: - Information Technology and Communications. - Internet, E-Commerce. - Culture on the Internet, Social Inclusion, Information Society. WORKING AREAS: * Quality and Sustainability. * Working Process, Knowledge and Human Resources Management. * Information Services, E-commerce. * Cultural Heritage. * New Business Areas.

Expertise

The organisation is a project management, software development and R&D company. We specialise in setting up and running national and EU projects, and in carrying out R&D in the tourism and cultural heritage sectors. We have in-depth experience in all aspects of pan-European research projects, from proposals to final reports. We also have specific tourism expertise, particularly in the IT and management areas. ACTIVITY AREAS: * Information Technology. * Services. * Training. * Consulting. * Cultural Heritage. R&D PROGRAMMES: We have participated in many R&D programmes. Examples of recent R&D projects include: HARMONISE, HARMOTEN, MINERVA. But we have been involved in EU projects since the early 1990s. We have recently agreed to carry out an evaluation for the Commission in the ECONTENTPLUS programme; we also completed this work for IST.

Contribution to project

INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY AREAS OF INTEREST: Processing Technology. WORKING AREAS: - Working Process, Knowledge and Human Resources Management. - Information Services. - New Business Areas.

Expertise

We are a Research and Development management consulting company specialised in Tourism. ACTIVITY AREAS: - Consulting. - Research and development management. R&D PROGRAMMES: At regional level (Balearic Islands).

Contribution to project

- Working process, knowledge and human resource management. - New product launching and services. - Infrastructure and destination management. - Information services, e-commerce.

Expertise

The Institute is a non-profit research centre and has the aim of promoting, developing and transferring knowledge and innovation to support the incorporation of the BALEARIC ISLANDS SOCIETY into the Knowledge Society and the competitiveness of the region's enterprises. IBIT fulfils its task by focusing on the following key areas: innovation dissemination (training, technological watching, workshops, etc.), technological innovation fostering, technological pilot development and implementation (telecommunications and Internet services). The core expertise of IBIT is centred on information and commercialisation systems for SMEs (Small and Medium Sized Enterprises) and public administrations, and the dissemination of best practices, at both national and international level, useful for enterprises and citizens of the Balearic Islands. IBIT has 33 employees; about 28 of them are technicians and experts working in the following main thematic areas: tourism and new technologies, e-business, telecommunications, services to citizens, and knowledge transfer and management. The IBIT FOUNDATION has taken part in over 35 RTD (Research and Technological Development) projects with over 100 companies and organisations involved. Out of these, some 20 projects have received funding from the EC through ESPRIT, Framework programmes (IV, V and VI), and INTERREG programmes. The rest of the projects have been co-funded by national and regional ministries of Science and Innovation - IBIT has also published monographs on topics on new technologies and has successfully organised some courses, seminars and conferences. The IBIT FOUNDATION has vast experience in helping SMEs and public administrations take advantage of ITC (Information Technologies and Communications), mainly through international and national projects.

Contribution to project

- Information Services, E-commerce.

Expertise

The Institute is a private research associate cooperating with business and university partners to conduct and promote applied research as well as specific projects in the field of the electronic business. EC3 deliberately operates as an intermediary between science and business practice. PARTICIPATION IN R&D PROGRAMMES: EC3 has participated in the 5th and 6th Framework Programme of the EUROPEAN COMMISSION as well as many Austrian R&D programmes. EC3 is currently coordinating an ETEN project with the title 'HARMOTEN'. The 'HARMOTEN project' is a follow-up the 5th Framework project 'HARMONISE' in which EC3 was one of the lead partners. EC3 has recently successfully completed a European Commission tender for the European Travel Commission (ETC). In this tender EC3 and partners have established the European Tourism Destination Portal: www.visitEurope.com. In AUSTRIA, EC3 could now successfully propose two projects in the area of tourism in different programmes under the umbrella of the AUSTRIAN RESEARCH PROMOTION AGENCY (FFG).

Contribution to project

INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY AREAS OF INTEREST: - Information Technology and Communications. - Processing Technology. - Internet. - E-Commerce. WORKING AREAS: * Quality and Sustainability. * Working Process, Knowledge and Human Resources Management. * Infrastructure and Destination Management. * Information Services, E-Commerce. * Cultural Heritage. * New Business Areas.

Expertise

The original objectives of our organisation still serve as a vital basis for today's work: - Continuous examination and analysis of basic research topics and questions concerning the structure and meaning of tourism, particularly tourism as an economic factor. - Interdisciplinary work, which includes the economic, ecological, cultural and social aspects and effects of tourism. - Combination of specialised knowledge and quantitative orientated results for political decision-makers, local authorities and entrepreneurs through 'Helping by teaching them how to help themselves'. - Engagement in research and teaching and further education, in cooperation with universities, technical colleges, associations and other institutions. ACTIVITY AREAS: * Training. * Consulting. * Tourism Research. R&D PROGRAMMES: - ULIXES. - TRANSROMANICA.

Contribution to project

INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY AREAS OF INTEREST: - Information Technology and Communications - Internet - E-Commerce - Knowledge Management & Business Model Innovation. WORKING AREAS: - Working Process, - Knowledge and Human Resources Management, - New Product Launching and Services, - Information Services, - E-Commerce, New Business Areas.

Expertise

The company is an independent private Associated Research Laboratory, which serves as a vehicle for articulating a critical mass to successfully address INNOVALIA GROUP's ambitious and strategic long-term research objectives. INNOVALIA is an industrial group of companies based in SPAIN. INNOVALIA has an international presence, with premises in SPAIN - Basque Country, Madrid, Catalonia, Canary Islands - Europe, Asia and Central and South America. INNOVALIA ASSOCIATION is a Technology Agent of the Basque Country Technology Network (SARETEK) and is registered as a research agent at a national level; INNOVALIA assembles skills, laboratories and resources from its eight foundation companies. The INNOVALIA ASSOCIATION is organised into three different Units: - Information & Communication Technologies (ICT) Unit. - Nanotechnology and Advanced Metrological Unit. - Manufacturing and Knowledge Management Unit. Apart from its original members, the ICT Unit also maintains formal collaboration agreements with a selected group of R&D centres, SMEs (Small and Medium sized Enterprises) and larger enterprises, which fulfil two fundamental premises: excellence and a proven commitment to R&D activities. In its role of Strategic Group for the Basque Government, the INNOVALIA ASSOCIATION has been collaborating in relevant research areas addressed by the EUREKA TOURISM Umbrella, with various regional innovation agencies, tourist agents, telecom operators, content providers, broadcasters and IT (Information Technology) companies at regional and national level. INNOVALIA has carried out a significant number of R&D activities in the area of tourism, which has allowed INNOVALIA to develop an important contact network for addressing sector needs effectively. ACTIVITY AREAS: - Rural Tourism - Information Technology - Services. R&D PROGRAMMES: * EC 1ST programme * EC NMP programme * EUREKA ITEA & ITEA 2 Cluster * EUREKA CELTIC Cluster * EUREKA * PROFIT & Tractor Projects (SPAIN - National) * INTEKlSAIOTEKlBIZAKAIBERRI (SPAIN - Regional).

Contribution to project

Spanish National Public Representative in EUREKA TOURISM

Expertise

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Contribution to project

Umbrella Sectoral Representative (NUS) Objectives of the RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT CONSORTIUM TOURESPACE: The R & D CONSORTIUM TOURESPACE is the leading research network for tourism in SWITZERLAND. Since May 2005 the R & D CONSORTIUM OF TOURISM is the twelfth officially recognised national network in SWITZERLAND. The R & D CONSORTIUM TOURESPACE provides its clients with management competencies, technical and methodological expertise of the thirteen partners. The objectives are: - The competitiveness of the tourism industry (to increase); - The innovative development in the fields of tourism; - Contribute to a sustainable development.

Expertise

Services - Activities of R & D CONSORTIUM TOURESPACE The R & D CONSORTIUM TOURESPACE focuses on applied research and development in tourism and provides market-driven and innovative services for its customers (practical and inter- and transdisciplinary projects). We offer the following services to our customers (such as small and medium-sized enterprises in the tourism industry; environmental organisations; public specialists; cantons and municipalities; planning, conservation and consultancy offices; land, forestry and transport service providers, etc.): A. research-projects Scientific studies by inter-and transdisciplinary research teams. If required, further partner institutions in the academic and industry networks will be consulted. B. Services provided by experienced scientists Concepts, coaching, presentations by academic staff. C. Courses A large number of courses in the tourism area through our network partners. D. Education projects Projects managed by students (with coaching by experienced scientists).

Contribution to project

- Infrastructure and Destination Management. - Information Services, E-Commerce. - Cultural Heritage.

Expertise

The private University was founded in 1886 with the commitment to serving people along with the promise to endorse a new vision for Basque higher education. Since that time, DEUSTO UNIVERSITY has broadened its vision and expanded from a single-campus University to a three-campus system designed to better serve the people of the Basque Country. The School of Humanities has undergone important changes to better address the modern world's needs in terms of applied humanities. Following this line of innovation, the new degree offered in Humanities is Cultural Sciences. The aim of the Cultural Sciences programme is to produce and disseminate history and culture knowledge utilising contemporary technological means, with special emphasis on new media. This mission is based on the principle that the constant and renewable study and interpretative presentation of the past promotes understanding of collective memory and collective identity in the present. Memory, cultural identity, cultural development, management, interpretation and planning are the stronghold of our programme. Our faculty staff include archaeologists, historians, geographers, museologists, computer scientists and graphic designers. The School of Humanities and in particular the Department of Cultural Sciences has participated in research projects of some European programmes (V Programme Information Society Technology), European joint masters (Master of Arts in Euroculture) and state institutions (PROFIT, MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, SPAIN). The main functions of the Department should be highlighted: - Extensive collaboration with local and regional public agencies, museums, archives and cultural centres advising the local government on policy and priorities for the sector. For example collaborating with the SOCIEDAD DE CIENCIAS ARANZADI in carrying out the Donostia Cultural Heritage Plan and other cultural projects. - Projects related to historical and cultural heritage interpretation. - Members of the Scientific Commission of Museums - Consultants for providing strategic leadership, developing capacities, and promoting innovation and change. - Consultants in cultural exhibition development and production (e.g. Ferrum in PROFIT project). The technological infrastructure in the areas of Communications, Electronics and Information Technologies Activity Areas: * Rural Tourism * Cultural Tourism * Information Technology * Training * Consulting - INNOVATION WITHIN THE BASQUE TOURISM SECTOR Project Duration: 2004/11/01 - 2005/06/30 Partners: This project has been carried out through a cooperation agreement between DEUSTO UNIVERSITY, SPRI and TECNALIA and also with the cooperation of the Vice-Secretariat of Tourism, the Office for Tourism and the Office for Tourism Promotion of the Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism of the Basque Government. This project tries to identify key strategies within the tourism sector in order to help it increase its competitiveness and successfully face the second major transformation of the Basque social economy. The main objective herein is to know the present state of Basque tourism organisations and institutions with regard to innovation. This is aimed at designing the main areas and guidelines that will lead to the development of greater competitiveness of the sector in the future. This is the reason why we have not only carried out a diagnosis of the Innovation in the Basque tourism sector, but have also emphasized the needs highlighted by the relevant institutions and organisations. - AMICO - DIGITAL CONTENT ENHANCEMENT USING MOBILE INTERACTIVE ASSISTANTS This project has been funded by the MINISTERIO DE INDUSTRIA, TURISMO Y COMERCIO in the framework of PROFIT 2004. Project Duration: 2004/01/01 - 2005/12/31 Partners: EUSKALCOM, FACULTAD DE HUMANIDADES - UNIVERSIDAD DE DEUSTO, CAMPUS SAN SEBASTIAN, GAIA, USYSCOM and VICOMTECH This project studies the application of positioning techniques and wireless communications in the development of mobile interactive assistants, based on virtual reality technologies and digital interactive story telling. A visit to an art exhibition room will be the validation scenario for the prototype, making it possible for the visitor to receive more information about certain pieces of art. - ETRAVELPAD - LOCATION-BASED MOBILE TOURIST SERVICES This project has been funded by the MINISTERIO DE INDUSTRIA, TURISMO Y COMERCIO in the framework of PROFIT 2004 and by the GOBIERNO VASCO in the framework of INTEK 2005. Project Duration: 2005/07/01 - 2006/12/31 Partners: CICERONE SERVICIOS INTERACTIVOS, UNIVERSIDAD DE DEUSTO and VICOMTECH ETRAVELPAD This aims at designing, implementing and validating mobile telecommunication systems, advanced location technologies and wireless VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technologies in order to implement personalised multimedia applications for the congress tourist sector. The implemented technologies will allow for multimodal access to new and innovative types of services provided on new mobile devices with multimedia capabilities. - PRISMA - AUGMENTED REALITY FOR CULTURAL TOURISM APPLICATIONS Project Duration: 2004/11/01 - 2005/12/31 Partners: EREITEN, THE MOVIE VIRTUAL and VICOMTECH. The aim of PRISMA is the development and implementation of a new 3D visualisation device based on Augmented Reality technologies and digital storytelling for cultural tourism environments. The prototype will be validated and evaluated in a real cultural tourism destination with problematic tourist sustainability. PRISMA presents a new interactive device based on Augmented Reality technologies that enables visitors to see both real objects and 3D graphical reconstructions at the same time. Augmented Reality technologies allow seamless interaction between the real and the virtual world, enhancing the view of the world of the user with additional 3D virtual models and further information. - FERRUM - APPLICATION IMPLEMENTATION OF VIRTUAL AND AUGMENTED REALITY TECHNOLOGIES FOR HERITAGE DIFFUSION. Profit Programme 2002 and 2003 (MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY). The aim of this research project is to develop a demonstrator for the application of new technologies in the field of Virtual and Augmented Reality, relating it to the didactics and diffusion of cultural heritage. This project was carried out in partnership with three entities of the Basque Country: the UNIVERSITY OF DEUSTO, the Association VICOMTECH and the SAN TELMO MUSEUM. The project is part of an even more ambitious project, which consists of the design of cultural centres for the 21st century. - DYNAMISATION PLAN IN THE VALLEY OF THE UNID UROLA AND COAST. Partners: IRAURGI LANTZEN ASSOCIATION and the local councils of Azpeitia, Azkoitia, Zumaia, Zestoa, Beizama, Aizarnazabal and Errezil. 2003. The general aim of this project is to establish a referential frame for tourism promotion centred around three main themes: Basque language, cultural heritage (intangible heritage and monumental heritage) and natural heritage, rural environment and ecological behaviour. The working plan includes the following tasks: creation of the TRADE-VISION, identification of the LOGO and establishment of the Marketing Mix (executing plan for each target audience) and indicators to measure the cultural sustainability of the marketing project. 2.3 Management and socialisation of the Cultural Heritage. - CULTURAL HERITAGE PLAN OF DONOSTIA-SAN SEBASTIAN Project Duration: 2003-2004 Funding: City council of Donostia-San Sebastian The UNIVERSITY OF DEUSTO contributes to the production of the Cultural Heritage Plan of Donostia-San Sebastian within the didactic and distribution area of the cultural heritage and in the production of the impact study of cultural heritage on tourism. This work, carried out in collaboration with several local institutions, represents the first important test within this area and will constitute a basic tool for local cultural policies. - SOCIALISATION PLAN OF CULTURAL HERITAGE IN ASTIGARRAGA. Project Duration: 2002-2003 Funding: Town council of Astigarraga The use of cultural heritage is a basic necessity for individual enrichment, in order to achieve territorial cohesion and to promote the economy of developed societies. As regards sustainable development, in December 2001 the UNIVERSITY OF DEUSTO presented the town council of Astigarraga with a proposal for the development of a socialisation programme and dynamisation of its local cultural heritage. It envisaged the following working areas: promotion of the economic activity in order to guarantee local development and survival and dynamisation of local heritage. * EUROPEAN PROJECTS 1. ARTNOUVEAU (IST-2001-37863). Thematic Network about the transition towards the digital era of arts and culture. Project Duration: 2002/09/01 - 2003/12/31 Partners: CENTRO DE COMPUTACAO GRAFICA DE GUIMARES (PORTUGAL), FOUNDATION OF THE HELLENIC WORLD, FRAUNHOFER INSTITUTE FUER GRAPHISCHE DATENVERARBEITUNG IGD, MUSEO ALBERTO SAMPAIO DE GUIMARES, MUSEO DE SAN TELMO, UNIVERSIDAD DE DEUSTO, UNIVERSIDAD DE MINHO, ZENTRUM FUER GRAPHISCHE DATENVERARBEITUNG E.V and VICOMTECH ARTNOUVEAU is a European Thematic Network within the V Framework Programme (8th call) in the area of new ways of representing art and culture. One of its objectives is the promotion of know-how and experience interchange among all significant agents in the field of arts, culture, research and industry, establishing a solid workgroup that includes all of the agents mentioned. This multidisciplinary group will try to identify the requirements demanded from the art community for the new technologies to be implemented, as well as the guidelines for the development of new applications. For further information: http://www.artnouveau-net.org INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY AREAS OF INTEREST: * Information Technology and Communications * E-Commerce * Data Mining and Virtual Ecosystems.

Contribution to project

Support to public/private tourist companies and organisations. WORKING AREAS: - Information Services, E-Commerce.

Expertise

INFORMATION ABOUT FINLAND AS A TOURIST DESTINATION: www.visitfinland.com THE FINNISH TOURIST BOARD, MEK, was established in 1973 under the MINISTRY OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY to promote tourism to FINLAND. A special annual appropriation from the State budget is allocated to finance the operations (16,201,000 euro in 2005). In addition the Finnish travel industry contributes approximately nine million euro annually. MEK works in close cooperation with and for the Finnish travel industry, implementing and financing marketing projects with the industry. One of the joint goals is to develop more enticing, competitive products for visitors to FINLAND. R&D PROGRAMMES: - HARMONISE

Contribution to project

- Quality and Sustainability, - Working Process, Knowledge and Human Resources Management, - New Product Launching and Services, - Infrastructure and Destination Management, - Information Services, E-Commerce, - Cultural Heritage.

Expertise

The organisation (ACTE) was founded in June 1997 by a group of tourism entrepreneurs who share the common view that the development of quality and sustainable tourism is a one-way road for Cyprus Tourism. Therefore, ACTE is composed of a group of prominent top quality hotels and tourist enterprises all over CYPRUS. The credo of ACTE and its raison d'etre is the strong need for planning, development and management of a quality tourism product in CYPRUS. The total quality approach was adopted for two fundamental reasons - it can bring success from the marketing standpoint and, at the same time, benefit local residents and the environment. It is our strong belief, that to sustain and further develop quality in hotel and tourism businesses, a slow-down is necessary in the construction of new hotel units as well as upgrading and enriching existing ones. This is the reason why our Association only accepts quality hotels as members. Each and every one of our members is totally devoted to quality. Our mission is to play a constructive role vis-a-vis the government and the private sector, so as to enhance the image, quality and efficiency of the hotel and tourism industry in CYPRUS. Through substantiated standpoints, systematic research and in-depth studies, ACTE has been a driving force for the necessary quality improvement and upgrading of Cyprus tourism products. GOALS AND AIMS OF ACTE - The development of Cyprus as a sustainable quality tourist destination. - Creating and maintaining a quality image for the Cyprus tourism product, which results in value for money. - Multifaceted and qualitative development of the hotel and tourism industry in CYPRUS, with respect to the protection of its historic character as well as the natural and cultural environment. - Strengthening and maintaining the competitive advantage of the Cyprus tourism product through the continuous qualitative upgrading of services. - Balancing the long-term economic viability and profitable operation of hotel and tourist enterprises with environmental and cultural protection. - The creation of tourism consciousness amongst staff in the tourism industry and the local population. - To protect, promote and develop the general interests of our Members and tourism industry's in general. - The fostering of professional ethos and integrity in tourist enterprises. - The development of a spirit of co-operation and mutual support amongst members. Services towards Members ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT IN POLICY-MAKING * Members are directly or indirectly represented in meetings, committees and conferences, thus promoting their views at governmental, semi-governmental and private level. * Participation in Organisations and Societies in CYPRUS and abroad. * Participation in World Fora on tourism and hotel industry issues. * Meetings and negotiations with Trade Union Organisations. * Collaboration with Ministries and other relevant public and semi-public bodies. * Making representations to Ministries and Parliament for the enactment of Laws that affect the hotel and tourism industry. * Participation in the following Boards and Committees: - Federation of Employers and Industrialists of Cyprus (OEV). - Cyprus Tourism Organisation (CTO). - Hotel Committee for design approvals and classification of Hotel Units. - Tourism Advisory Committee. - District Tourism Co-ordination and Development Committees. - Development Authority of Cyprus. - Steering Committee for the EU programme RIS (Regional Innovation Strategy) under the auspices of the Research Promotion Foundation of Cyprus. - Work teams for the formulation of the European Union Programme 'Regional Innovation Strategy in Cyprus' (RISC). - Technical Committees of the Human Resource Development Authority of Cyprus. MARKETING AND PROMOTION * Representation of Members in the main International Tourist Exhibitions. * Provision of special airfares to Members and their staff participating in tourism exhibitions abroad. * Up-to-date information and publicity on the Internet. * Publicity of Members in the Limassol Hotel Catalogue and Map and other publications. EDUCATION & INFORMATION - Up-to-date information on tourism issues and developments in the hotel industry. - Information on harmonisation issues arising from the accession of CYPRUS to the EUROPEAN UNION. - Access to ACTE's archives and tourism statistics. - Undertaking projects, studies, surveys and in-depth research for hotel and tourism industry issues. - Provision of technical, educational, professional and other advice. - Development of educational and training programmes for Members and their staff. - Organisation of lectures, seminars and other meetings. - Proposals for implementing sustainable development in tourism and tourist enterprises. - Studies in enhancing the productivity and profitability of the hotel industry. MEMBERS 1. Regular Members 5*, 4* or 3* Hotel Establishments, Deluxe or A' class Hotel Apartments, Deluxe or ' class Tourist Villages. 2. Associated Members Directly or indirectly tourism related enterprises, organisations or associations of a high quality standard.

Contribution to project

INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY AREAS OF INTEREST: - Information Technology and Communications. WORKING AREAS: * Working Process, Knowledge and Human Resources Management. * Information Services, E-Commerce.

Expertise

Travel Agency.

Contribution to project

INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY AREAS OF INTEREST: - Internet. WORKING AREAS: * Quality and Sustainability. * Working Process, Knowledge and Human Resources Management. * New Product Launching and Services. * Infrastructure and Destination Management. * Information Services, E-Commerce. * New Business Areas.

Expertise

ACTIVITY AREAS: - Consulting. The Global eTourism Monitor(R) is a unique service from CREATIVE MARKETING S.A., a leading European agency that has more than 10 successful years in Web development experience and that has moved into executive Internet reporting. The company has enjoyed the trust of many prestigious companies such as the ATHENS 2004 OLYMPIC GAMES COMMITTEE, DELOITTE, VODAFONE, UNILEVER etc. The Global eTourism Monitor(R) team consists of highly specialised Analysts and Consultants that have extensive and in-depth knowledge in the following areas: Research Statistics, Tourism Consulting, eMarketing and Web Design, thereby combining together a very unique skill set and expertise. Our consultants have held leading Advertising and Marketing positions on a global level and are members of worldwide professional bodies (such as the ISHC, International Society of Hospitality Consultants and ESOMAR, the European Society of Marketing Research). We also conduct customised Internet tourism research, such as Web site surveys, consulting, etc.

Contribution to project

- Quality and Sustainability. - New Product Launching and Services. - Infrastructure and Destination Management. - Information services, E-commerce.

Expertise

The ITP - Portuguese Tourism Board - is a public institute and a separate legal entity with administrative and financial autonomy and its own assets. ITP's activity is exercised under the aegis of the MINISTRY OF TOURISM. ACTIVITY DOMAINS: - Direct or indirect support for strengthening, modernisation and development of the business structures of the Tourism Sector. - Promotion of Portugal as a Tourism Destination. Participation in R&D programmes. 5th Framework Programme of the EU: HARMONISE (Tourism information exchange using semantic technology); FETISH and DAFNE (Dynamic services integration); ETEN: HARMO TEN (Harmonise technology market validation); Ten Telecom + Structural Funds: INTOURISME (European umbrella for SME regional servers).

Contribution to project

The EUREKA TOURISM Chair plays a central and active role in proposing new activities, strategies and priorities to the EUREKA TOURISM Executive Committee. The Chair will be assisted by the Secretariat to support the progress of the network and secure continuity. The EUREKA TOURISM will organise, chair and host the annual meeting of the EUREKA TOURISM Executive Committee. Its objective is to be able to generate projects within the EUREKA TOURISM framework, to advise its members on the possibilities of securing public funding and on potential projects, and to help correct projects before their official presentation. It acts as a 'driving belt' between the tourism and technology world, facilitating interesting meetings and cooperation and enabling tourism projects with high technological components to benefit from public funds.

Expertise

The company falls under the MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY AND TOURISM and the GENERAL SECRETARIAT OF TOURISM and was created in October 2002. Its objective is to manage and develop an economic and tourist promotion project through the use of new information technologies. In spite of the fact that SEGITUR is a 'young' company, many market players trust it for the development of their technology platforms and tools. The company also works in very close cooperation with the Spanish Tourism Institute (TURESPANA), which is part of the central government administration. This institution is an independent body coming under the general umbrella of the State Secretariat for Commerce and Tourism via the GENERAL SECRETARIAT FOR TOURISM. SEGITUR is now developing technological tools for the interoperating database capacity of European Tourism Organisations (National Tourism Offices, travel agencies, tour operators, etc.). This ambitious project will contribute to information exchange between countries, which could become very useful for the EUREKA TOURISM project strategy development. The business opportunities in this project include the technological development of the website www.spain.info, partnerships and agreements with different service suppliers, and the content factory. The project will therefore strengthen direct relationships with tourists and countries, identifying alternative markets, diversifying the tourist products offered, personalising the offer, adapting it to market needs, and generating greater integration in this sector. The capacity and efficiency of services will thereby be improved. SEGITUR managed the innovation project, the CRS (Computerised Reservation System) directory and extranet, and provided the tourist industry with a commercialisation and distribution channel for its offer at an international level through the Internet. A dynamic interchange system was also made available for developing the tourist offer between Websites, enabling constant updating of content between different companies and institutions. Further Websites relating to tourist promotion have been created, with a focus on the information needs of all key emerging Spanish tourist markets, and with the development of a unique image given that the structure is common for all. However, while having the same source, it is possible to create information channels adapted to a specific public. CONTRIBUTION OF THE SECRETARIAT: The TOURISM Secretariat will have the following mission: - To lead the EUREKA TOURISM Umbrella and to be a legal representative of the project. - To be an information point for the project for all interested entities and organisations. - To develop, for the Executive Committee, a Strategy and Action Plan for each year of the project. At the level of project development, the Secretariat will: * Promote the EUREKA TOURISM label at national and international levels; * Spread R&D projects and programmes, national and international publications, media, exhibitions in competitions and fairs, throughout the EUREKA network; * Be a support for the EUREKA TOURISM Network; * Interchange knowledge and technology with national and international partners, providing the EUREKA programme with scientific and technical resources; * Give assistance and support for obtaining funding from national, European and international programmes; * Ensure assistance in developing project proposals; * Organise events for interchange and discussion of specific technology issues; * Analyse the possibility of access to new markets, and development and management of specialised documentation and information; * Ensure communication and promotion plans. The Secretariat will also carry out the EUREKA TOURISM project's day-to-day operations: project and information system database management for ideas and project proposals, definition of organisations looking for partners, project follow-up (objectives, associated technology development, participants, budget, national funding, etc.). The EUREKA TOURISM Secretariat will take part in the official meetings of the Umbrella, coordinating relevant work with the official Spanish EUREKA representation and assigning experts for the development of specific activities. EXPERTISE OF THE SECRETARIAT: SEGITUR has presented projects in different funding programmes, such as the IST (Information Society Technology) priority within the framework of the EUROPEAN COMMISSION VI programme (Cultural Tour and Harmo-Ten), and the actuation line Pista Turismo of the PISTA programme of the MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY. Harmo-TEN is based on the successful results of the HARMONISE project, and is within the Information Society Technology programme, IST, within the 6th EUROPEAN COMMISSION framework. It consists in developing a technological tool to create interoperability in different databases of European Tourism organisations, allowing them to exchange information. SEGITUR participated in a pilot enabling the validation of information interchanges between Autonomous Communities. Cultural Tour aims at creating a clever and innovative decision-making system for cultural tourism in Europe, with special emphasis on the adaptability of tourist preferences, multimedia information and itinerary updates. SEGITUR is therefore defining user requirements and converting them for the final user of the system for decision-making, testing and validation of the product on the www.spain.info tourist Website. Pista turismo involves the creation of an online booking centre for tourist micro-companies, so that they can include information about their establishment and services offered; it also allows for managing tourist bookings to be integrated into the Spanish tourist Website www.spain.info. SEGITUR would then become the provider and managing entity of the software platform for information and bookings.

Contribution to project

INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY AREAS OF INTEREST: - Information Technology and Communications. - Internet. - E-Commerce. WORKING AREAS: * Working Process, Knowledge and Human Resources Management. * Infrastructure and Destination Management. * Information Services, E-Commerce. * New Business Areas.

Expertise

Since it was established in 1997, TEAM has undertaken more than 160 projects across a wide range of subjects relating to tourism destinations. These include: - Tourism strategy; - Destination marketing; - Business Planning; - DMO (Destination Management Organisation) structures; - IT/e-Business strategies and implementation; - Research and intelligence; - Visitor services. TEAM operates as a virtual company, with a team of more than 20 associates. Our consultants combine extensive experience as practitioners, managing destination operations, with years of experience as consultants working for DMOs and related organisations around the world. Our strength is in putting together expert teams that provide precisely the right blend of skills for the project in question and that are dedicated to achieving workable solutions. We are well used to working in complex political environments where there are multiple stakeholders.

Contribution to project

INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY AREAS OF INTEREST: - Information Technology and Communications. - Internet. - E-Commerce. WORKING AREAS: * New Product Launching and Services. * Infrastructure and Destination Management. * Information Services, E-Commerce. * New Business Areas.

Expertise

* Information Technology. * Services. * Training. TISCOVER participated in various EU projects and in national funded projects.

Contribution to project

- Information Services, E-Commerce. - Cultural Heritage. - New Business Area.

Expertise

The organisation (CMM) works as a centre of excellence and know-how in the sectors of communication, information technology, entertainment and training in the new digital and multimedia industry. Its mission is to produce, manage and convey multimedia products and train people in multimedia technology through: - Internet oriented products and solutions. - Advanced multimedia products. - Education programmes aimed at overcoming skill shortages in the knowledge economy. - Analysis and consulting services for multimedia productions and the replication of CMM models. - Optimised resources guaranteed in terms of money savings and time to market. - A balanced mix of shared competences and skills, through the driver of sector excellence. - A real reply to the domestic and global market needs. CMM is a company in permanent evolution and faces new multimedia challenges in four macro-areas of activity: 1. Web & network 2. Audiovisual and multimedia production 3. Training and distance learning 4. Conference 1. WEB & NETWORK CMM offers its technological and content knowledge for the implementation of all kinds of Internet based solutions: - Local networks and knowledge management systems. - Corporate and enterprise information portals. - Web sites. - Virtual marketplace. - Customer relationship Management (CRM). - Vortals, e-magazines. - Multimedia products (CD-ROM, DVD, etc.). 2. AUDIOVISUAL AND MULTIMEDIA PRODUCTION CMM state-of-the-art technologies and facilities are able to provide a wide range of preproduction, production and post-production support services in the audiovisual area. * Digital intermediate postproduction. * 2D and 3D Virtual set. * Computer graphics. * 2D and 3D animation. * Editing services. 3. TRAINING AND DISTANCE LEARNING More than 4,000 students from secondary schools have been welcomed in our TERNI INNOVATION SCHOOL MEDIALAB. CMM provides professional training through three levels of qualification: - first level: computer and Internet literacy (ECOL, Macromedia Flash, 30 Studio Max, etc.); - second level: Internet education for public and private sector managers (TV programme manager); - third level: post university professional training programmes (30 animator). 4. CONFERENCE High quality standards of services and facilities make CMM a first choice location for meetings and conferences. Furthermore CMM provides consulting services for implementation of videoconference solutions for institutions and companies. PARTICIPATION IN R&D PROGRAMMES: E-Ten, INTERREG medocc/cadses programmes, ERDF - innovative actions, European Union initiatives.

Contribution to project

- New Product Launching and Services. - Infrastructure and Destination Management. - Information Services, E-commerce. - IT (Information Technology) and Communications. - Internet.

Expertise

Innovation and Value Added Solutions & Services focused on technological approaches.

Contribution to project

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Expertise

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Contribution to project

INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY AREAS OF INTEREST - Information Technology and Communications. - Environment Management. - Processing Technology. - Internet, E-Commerce. WORKING AREAS: * Infrastructure and Destination Management. * Information Services, E-Commerce.

Expertise

The company is a service organisation specialised in the travel industry in LAPLAND. The main tasks are to coordinate the marketing, product development and education for the enhancement of business knowledge. The company was founded in 1996. The goals are to increase sales in the travel industry, enhance the occupancy rates, increase the market share of LAPLAND and increase employment. LAPLAND MARKETING LTD does not strive to make a profit, rather it aims to increase sales and knowledge in travel companies. The idea is to use the leverage of co-operation between travel companies and other partners on the markets. The company plans and carves out comprehensive operations that support the development of knowledge in the Lappish travel industry and profitable growth according to the Lapland travel strategy. The www.laplandfinland.com travel portal is owned and managed by LAPLAND MARKETING LTD. ACTIVITY AREAS: - Information Technology - Services - Training - Consulting - Content and Publicity - Coordination of various travel and ICT projects. R&D PROGRAMMES: EXC. Development of new ICT oriented products for tourism, such as the Aurora Borealis Testing Laboratory, Northern Lights Alert System, Online booking systems for Lappish entrepreneurs, Lapland brand development, a project of a forum-style department store for Lappish goods and products featured under the Lapland brand.

Contribution to project

- Quality and Sustainability. - Working Process, Knowledge and Human Resources Management. - New Product Launching and Services. - Information Services, E-commerce. - Cultural Heritage.

Expertise

The organisation is a private company mainly owned by the public sector. Its main shareholders are the REGIONAL GOVERNMENT OF MADEIRA, THE UNIVERSITY OF MADEIRA and THE YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS ASSOCIATION. MADEIRA TECNOPOLO serves as a platform for stimulating and leveraging local development in a few selected areas like IT and Tourism, Cultural Content and Environment. Previous R&D programmes: IST, INNOV.

Contribution to project

INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY AREAS OF INTEREST: - Information Technology and Communications. - Processing Technology. - Internet. - E-Commerce. - Logistics and Transport. Contribution to the EUREKA TOURISM project: WORKING AREAS: * New Product Launching and Services. * Information Services, E-Commerce.

Expertise

The organisation is the leading travel trade media and exhibition company in ITALY. It publishes three magazines for the tourism industry: TTG ITALIA, the newspaper of reference for the sector, with two issues per week to a subscriber base of over 10,000 professionals; TTI, a monthly magazine in Italian and English about ITALY as an Inbound destination, and LINK, a monthly glossy publication about the 'Mice Market'. TTG has an established presence online, with a free news agency that offers more than 40 takes per day. With a dedicated office, TTG ITALIA is the organiser of the TTG INCONTRI, the leading B2B (Business-to-Business) event for the Italian tourism industry, with an attendance of over 30,000 professionals at the last event held in Rimini in October 2005. With the sister company EXMEDIA, TTG ITALIA participates in the organisation of STC INTERNATIONAL, the Florence-based marketplace for the Mice Market. TTG offers several other integrated services to the travel industry, such as personalised road shows and custom publications. TTG is part of the RIMINI FIERA GROUP. ACTIVITY AREA: Mass Media & Services.

Contribution to project

- Information Services, E-commerce. - IT & Communications.

Expertise

- Information Technology. - Services. - Consulting. R&D: * Cooperation with two public universities UPM and UCM in security R&D. * Self R&D programme.

Contribution to project

Expertise

Contribution to project

- Working Process, Knowledge and Human Resources Management. - Information Services, E-commerce.

Expertise

- Information Technology. - Consulting. - Project Management.

Contribution to project

- Quality and sustainability. - New product launching and services. - Infrastructure and destination management. - Information services, e-commerce.

Expertise

- Information Technology and Communications. - Environment Management. - Internet. - E-Commerce. - Service Industry. ACTIVITY AREA: National Tourism development planning and promotion.

Contribution to project

INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY AREAS OF INTEREST: - Information Technology and Communications. - Processing Technology. - Logistics and Transport. - Urbanism and Architecture. WORKING AREAS: * New Product Launching and Services. * Infrastructure and Destination Management. * Information Services, E-Commerce. * Cultural Heritage.

Expertise

The Institute is constituted by the INI-GRAPHICSNET FOUNDATION and EITB (Basque Television and Radio broadcasting group) and is a member of SARETEK, the Basque Science, Technology and Innovation Network (ISO 9001:2000 certified). ACTIVITY AREAS: - Information Technology. - Services. - Contents and Publicity. R&D PROGRAMMES: * IST Programme of the V Framework. * IST Programme of the VI Framework. * COST Action. * ITEA Programme. * National level (PROFIT). * Regional level.

Contribution to project

INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY AREAS OF INTEREST: - Information Technology and Communications. - Processing Technology. - Internet. - E-Commerce. - Logistics and Transport. - Decision Support. WORKING AREAS: * New Product Launching and Services. * Infrastructure and Destination Management. * Information Services, E-Commerce. * Cultural Heritage. * New Business Areas.

Expertise

Established in April 2004, DECIZIUM is a spin-off company from the MONS POLYTECHNIC FACULTY, specialising in decision support. Originally from the Mathematics & Operations Research Department, its roots lie in the 'YOUR TOUR' project (decision support system for the planning of customised trips). DECIZIUM offers products and services in decision support and uses rigorous quantitative techniques (mathematics, statistics, etc.). DECIZIUM provides effective assistance within the context of diverse decision-making processes. We work with private individuals, businesses, associations, public authorities, and all types of organisations in general, to enable them to reach the best compromise between the resources employed and the quality of the decision made. In order to be able to respond to specific needs in decision support, DECIZIUM's multidisciplinary team works in close cooperation with the academic community. As a result, despite being a young company, DECIZIUM enables customers to benefit from vast experience in decision support, acquired through scientific research and practical achievements, particularly in the industrial sector, across numerous areas: design of algorithms, software development, conduct of surveys, statistical analyses, etc.

Contribution to project

INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY AREAS OF INTEREST: - Information Technology and Communications. WORKING AREAS: * New Product Launching and Services. * Information Services, E-Commerce.

Expertise

A technological infrastructure in the areas of Communications, Electronics and Information Technologies. ACTIVITY AREAS: - Information Technology. - Electronics and Communications. R&D PROGRAMMES Yes: Several European projects.