A new digital directory of over 100 travel technology businesses and 30 industry case studies has been launched to support Scotland’s tourism SMEs. Developed by the Traveltech for Scotland cluster, the new directory showcases how various technologies such as online ticketing, smartphone apps and social distancing solutions can help tourism businesses adapt and diversify in a post-COVID world.
Traveltech for Scotland has collaborated with a small team of experienced tourism leaders, Karin Gidlund and Megan McGurren, who, along with Jemma Reid and Thayanne Scardini, created a Scottish tourism toolkit resource earlier this year to help businesses develop their digital capabilities in response to the pandemic. Karin and Megan have led on developing the new interactive directory, designed to help tourism businesses find the technologies they need.
The Traveltech Directory includes information for attractions, tour operators, accommodation providers and transport companies, and showcases over 100 technology companies offering solutions to tourism businesses. These include booking platforms, touchless solutions, digital signage and more, highlighting Scotland’s diverse traveltech innovators alongside their UK and overseas counterparts.
Since launching in August 2020, Traveltech for Scotland – which is jointly funded by Scottish Enterprise and the 2014 – 2020 European Structural and Investment Fund – has engaged with over 100 businesses; developing collaborations with industry partners including Tech Nation, Codeclan, ScotlandIS, the Scottish Tourism Alliance and VisitScotland. It aims to support a growing Scottish traveltech community to capitalise on training, funding, learning, and collaborative project opportunities.
Joshua Ryan-Saha, Director, Traveltech for Scotland said, “Since launch, we have been impressed by the agility and resilience of the traveltech businesses and their commitment to deliver innovative technology in a challenging environment. These technologies are already helping Scottish tourism businesses adapt their products and services to meet evolving customer needs. Traveltech is going to play an important part in getting the Scottish tourism sector back on its feet and this directory will help tourism businesses connect with Scotland’s traveltech pioneers.”
Aileen Lamb, Tourism Manager, Scottish Enterprise said, “The passion, entrepreneurial spirit and innovation evident across Scotland’s traveltech community is recognised as one of the important building blocks which will help our places, tourism businesses and communities build back post-COVID-19. Working together to create new opportunities and solve challenges is the ‘Scottish way’. The importance of bringing these two vital parts of Scotland’s economy together can’t be underestimated and Scottish Enterprise is proud to support this important programme.”
The Traveltech Directory will be showcased in a series of online sessions from Wednesday 9 December, continuing into 2021, to help tourism businesses get the best out of the digital resource, with the aim of finding tech solutions which can help them adapt to unprecedented challenges and build a more resilient and sustainable future.
To view the Traveltech Directory please click here.
