Portuguese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the tourism sector can apply for 100 thousand euros to implement digital innovations in their activities, in areas such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, drones, 5G communications, virtual reality and augmented reality. reality.
The funds come from the European RESSETING project launched by a consortium that involves the participation of universities, research centers and companies from several European countries in order to stimulate business innovation and increase the sustainability of the sector.
According to the Iscte – Instituto Universitário de Lisboa statement, each application must contain an action plan. The deadline for submitting proposals is 10 September. The selected companies will join an international network of travel companies covering five countries: Portugal, Italy, Spain, Greece and Albania.
Pedro Sebastian, President of Audax, Iscte’s innovation hub, explains the importance of digital transformation for SMBs. “We want to support travel companies to improve the tourist experience and improve the communication channels of their platforms using innovative tools based on artificial intelligence, drones and virtual reality.“, confirm.
“Augmented reality is being used more and more, allowing hotels to enhance the physical environment that their customers want to visit, such as local tourist spots and hotel rooms,” continues Pedro Sebastian.
“Drones can also transmit real-time data to any location or help tourists in rescue situations when something goes wrong,” describes the president of AUDAX-Iscte.
This innovation center focuses on entrepreneurship training, business and start-up incubation, and local development.