To drive this transformation, the Mayor of Quito, Pabel Muñoz, and the manager of the Quito Public Tourism Company, Etzon Romo, signed a historic agreement with the Secretary of State for Tourism of Spain, Rosario Sánchez Grau. The alliance underlines the city's commitment to improving its tourism competitiveness while adopting international best practices.
Quito Tourism is committed to enhancing the tourist experience by integrating advanced technology and sustainability into its tourism framework. The initiative will also foster meaningful interaction between tourists and residents, creating a vibrant and inclusive environment. By prioritizing these efforts, Quito aims to improve the quality of life of its residents while also offering memorable experiences to visitors.
Key benefits of the project include:
Greater interaction between visitors and the local community.
Seamless integration of technology throughout the tourism value chain.
Comprehensive management of sustainability in tourism operations.
The initiative follows the model developed by the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism, in collaboration with Segittur (State Society for the Management of Innovation and Tourism Technologies). This methodology evaluates 97 requirements and 261 indicators in five critical dimensions of a smart tourist destination: governance, innovation, technology, accessibility and sustainability.
The project involves an in-depth analysis of Quito’s tourism framework, with actionable recommendations and a monitoring system that ensures continuous improvement. By adopting this model, Quito aligns itself with global best practices recognized by entities such as the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the OECD and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
Becoming a Smart Tourism Destination will also connect Quito to the Smart Tourism Destination Network, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing with leading destinations worldwide. This network includes public administrations, private sector leaders and academic institutions, creating opportunities for coordinated growth and innovation in the tourism sector.
During the signing of the agreement, representatives from Spain, including Enrique Martínez Marín, president of Segittur, and Carlos Romero, director of Research, Development and Innovation at Segittur, praised Quito's proactive role in advancing the Smart Tourism Destination framework. They noted that Quito's efforts put it ahead of other regional cities that aspire to adopt similar models.
The benefits of becoming a Smart Tourism Destination include:
Improved competitiveness through better use of tourism resources.
Greater efficiency in tourism production and marketing.
A boost to sustainable development efforts.
Improved visitor experience and quality of life for residents.
Long-term economic revitalization through tourism-led growth.
Quito’s vision for smart tourism is part of its broader strategy to position itself as a global leader in tourism. Key initiatives include:
Active participation in international tourism fairs.
Development of the innovative tourist information system SITUR.
Attracting international meetings and conventions.
Promotion of rural tourism routes in the Metropolitan District of Quito (DMQ).
Collaborative development of a participatory tourism agenda involving industry stakeholders.
Quito’s commitment to becoming a Smart Tourism Destination represents a transformative step that consolidates its position as a cutting-edge, globally connected destination. By adopting this cutting-edge model, the city sets a benchmark in innovation, sustainability and inclusion in the tourism industry.
Source: Quito Tourism.