Valencia (Spain) will be the European headquarters of the Tourism Visioneer Observatory to combat Tourismphobia

02-09-24

Valencia has been chosen as the new European headquarters of the Tourism Visioneer Observatory, a pioneering initiative in the fight against tourismphobia. This observatory, led by Dr. Fernando Molina Pons, will focus on analysing and proposing innovative solutions to the challenges facing the tourism industry globally, especially those related to tourism overcrowding and its adverse effects on local communities.

The Tourism Visioneer Observatory will be officially launched on 12 September in Valencia, a city that has proven to be a benchmark in the implementation of sustainable and regenerative tourism policies. This event coincides with the launch of the first Regenerative and Circular Tourism Intelligence System (SIT RC), developed by a multidisciplinary team under the supervision of Dr. Molina. This system will provide methodological and technical tools to help tourism destinations mitigate the negative impacts of tourism through sustainable and positive impact planning.

Antonio Santos, president of the Tourism Society Think Tank (TSTT), highlighted the importance of Valencia as the venue for the observatory, underlining that the city is an example of balance between tourism and local life, as reflected in the successful integration of tourists and residents during the Fallas Festival. Furthermore, the choice of Valencia is backed by the rich experience in tourism intelligence accumulated by the University of Valencia, especially in projects such as the Silk Road and the Holy Grail Trail.

The observatory will not only focus on Valencia, but will also have a global scope. With the incorporation of experts such as David Vicent, a specialist in tourism in Latin America, an action plan has been developed that aligns the tourism realities of the Americas and Europe, offering a global and shared perspective on how to tackle tourismphobia.

One of the main innovations of the observatory will be the creation of a Tourism Intelligence Unit that will apply technology watch and competitive intelligence techniques (UNE 166.006) to anticipate trends and develop early warnings. These tools will be key to helping tourism destinations around the world adapt to the new demands and expectations of a more sustainable tourism that respects local communities.

The event on 12 September will also serve as a framework for the 1st Resitur Valencia Boot Camp, organised by Connect MTA and the Seda España Institute. This meeting will bring together experts and professionals from the sector to share best practices and explore new ways to revitalise territories through regenerative and circular tourism.

The inauguration of the observatory in Valencia marks a milestone in the fight against tourismphobia and positions the city as a leader in the promotion of sustainable, inclusive and respectful tourism. This project will not only benefit the Valencian Community, but will also serve as a replicable model for other destinations seeking to transform their tourism policies towards a more sustainable future.

With the creation of this observatory, Valencia consolidates its position as a global epicentre of tourism innovation, capable of connecting more than 87 countries through the TSTT and its associated universities and research centres. Furthermore, collaboration with the private sector will be crucial to the success of the project, as it seeks to transform companies into true agents of change that lead the transition towards a new tourism model.

Finally, the Tourism Visioneer Observatory in Valencia promises to be a catalyst for change, uniting global efforts to face the challenges of contemporary tourism and promoting a fairer and more balanced model for all stakeholders.

Contact: contact@tourismandsocietytt.com