Enrique Lara Gómez
Inclusive technology for global tourism: Bridging the coverage gap and promoting territorial cohesion
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Enrique Lara Gómez
Inclusive technology for global tourism: Bridging the coverage gap and promoting territorial cohesion
In a world where tourism has become a tool for social, economic, and cultural transformation, a paradox persists: while some destinations are rapidly digitalizing, others remain disconnected—essentially invisible to the digital traveler. The mobile coverage gap and high roaming costs continue to be structural barriers limiting access to tourism information in rural, natural, or heritage-rich areas. This technological exclusion affects not only visitors but also host communities, which see their capacity to integrate into the global tourism ecosystem severely limited.
Disconnection as a Barrier to Tourism Development
The reliance on mobile networks or Wi-Fi to access tourism content is a clear limitation in many destinations. Natural parks, religious routes, heritage villages, and archaeological sites often lack telecommunications infrastructure, preventing visitors from obtaining real-time contextual information. This results in a fragmented experience, where tourists are forced to improvise or rely on traditional signage, which is often insufficient or inaccessible.
Moreover, international roaming is expensive and does not offer coverage everywhere, discouraging the use of mobile applications abroad. As a result, access to digital content becomes a privilege rather than a universal right.
Technology That Works Without Connectivity: An Inclusive Alternative
In response to this scenario, technological solutions have emerged that do not rely on mobile connectivity. Digital signage based on Bluetooth, for example, enables information to be transmitted directly to visitors’ mobile devices without the need for internet or coverage. This low-energy, easy-to-implement technology represents an effective alternative for destinations with structural limitations.
In places like Ollantaytambo, Peru—gateway to Machu Picchu—Bluetooth beacons have made it possible to provide interpretive content about Incan heritage and local businesses, even in signal-deprived zones. Beyond this emblematic case, what's most significant is that this technology can be applied to thousands of rural, religious, or natural destinations that remain off the digital map today.
One App, One Global Experience
One of the major challenges in digital tourism is the fragmentation of the user experience. Visitors often face a multitude of apps, each tied to a specific destination, activity, or language. This digital fragmentation creates technological friction—especially for older travelers, people with disabilities, or international visitors unfamiliar with the local language.
"A tourist shouldn’t have to use a different app every time they change activity or destination."
Platforms that integrate multilingual and multi-topic information into a single application, usable anywhere in the world, provide a more seamless and accessible experience. By automatically adapting to the user’s device language, these solutions remove linguistic barriers and promote truly inclusive tourism.
Democratizing Access to Technology from Within the Territories
The digital divide doesn’t only impact tourists—it also affects destination managers. Many rural municipalities or those with limited resources lack the technical or financial capacity to implement complex digital solutions. Bluetooth-based technologies, due to their low cost and ease of use, enable even the smallest territories to digitalize their tourism, cultural, and commercial assets.
This empowers local communities to generate their own content, highlight their traditions, and promote their heritage without depending on intermediaries. Technological democratization thus becomes a tool for territorial development, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
Territorial Cohesion and the Redistribution of Tourist Flows
Tourism concentration in overcrowded destinations generates economic, social, and environmental imbalances. To counter this trend, tourist flows must be redistributed toward lesser-known but equally valuable territories. Inclusive technologies help make these places visible, connect them to global tourism networks, and foster more equitable development.
For example, a visitor accessing information about a religious sanctuary might discover nearby rural routes, local markets, or artisan workshops—encouraging local spending and strengthening the community’s economy. This digital connectivity contributes to territorial cohesion by linking small municipalities to broader tourism circuits.
OK Located Dossier nat eng red.pdfRural, Natural, Cultural, and Religious Tourism: A Transformative Opportunity
Rural, natural, cultural, and religious destinations have immense potential to offer authentic and sustainable experiences. However, their visibility largely depends on the ability to provide contextualized and accessible information. Technologies that operate without coverage can highlight the richness of these locations—from pilgrimage routes to ecological trails—without compromising their essence.
Moreover, by integrating content about local businesses, traditional festivals, or cultural practices, the visitor experience is enriched and the local economy is supported. This synergy between technology, heritage, and local development is key to building a fairer and more resilient tourism model.
Sustainability, Innovation, and Respect for the Environment
Sustainability goes beyond environmental concerns; it also entails ensuring that tourism development benefits all stakeholders. Technologies that don’t require data usage, that rely on accessible infrastructure, and that can be managed locally represent responsible innovation.
By eliminating the need to switch apps based on the destination, user complexity is reduced and accessibility is improved. This is particularly relevant for vulnerable groups such as elderly travelers or tourists with special needs.
Privacy and Ethics in Data Usage
Respect for privacy is fundamental in the design of digital tools. Offline solutions can collect anonymous behavioral data under strict protection standards, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This aggregated data helps improve tourism planning without compromising user identity.
Transparent information usage—through clear and accessible policies—is essential for building trust and ensuring a safe experience.
Toward a Global, Inclusive, and Territory-Connected Tourism
Lack of mobile coverage should not be a barrier to accessing tourism information. Technologies such as Bluetooth-based digital signage offer a universal solution, functional in any destination and in all languages. By democratizing access to technology, promoting territorial cohesion, and fostering rural, natural, cultural, and religious tourism, a more equitable and sustainable tourism model can emerge.
At OK Located, we believe innovation must serve people and places. That’s why we work to ensure every corner of the world can tell its story—without relying on connectivity or complex infrastructure. Because the tourism of the future will be inclusive, or it won’t be.
Author: Enrique Lara Gómez
CEO of OK Located
The authors are responsible for the choice and presentation of the facts contained in this document and for the opinions expressed therein, which are not necessarily those of Tourism and Society Think Tank and do not commit the Organization, and should not be attributed to TSTT or its members.
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