The Smart Destination 2024 guide is here! Self-checks for the maturity model Smart Destination start in parallel

The dynamic and rapid progress in digital development is leading to a continuous change in the opportunities and requirements for destination management organizations (DMOs). The guide Smart Destination 2024 and updated self-checks for the maturity model Smart Destination, which the German Institute for Tourism Research (DI Tourismusforschung) of the FH Westküste University of Applied Sciences has further developed together with Tourismus NRW e.V., show what destinations can do and where they should take action in order to make “smart” use of digitalization. Each field of action defined in the guidelines and the questions defined in the self-checks were put to the test. Content was adapted and new topics and categories were added, as Smart Destinations today must take particular account of AI in their work. With the help of the guide and the self-checks, destinations and regions are supported on their way to becoming Smart Destination. The guide and the self-checks were developed as part of a research collaboration between DI Tourismusforschung at the FH Westküste University of Applied Sciences in Heide and Tourismus NRW and are aimed at destinations throughout Germany. The first edition of the guide and self-checks was published in 2022. Continuous further development of the offers is intended to promote the smart development of destinations in the long term. The updated guide is now available to download free of charge. In addition, it is still possible to register for the upcoming workshops. The dates and registration links can be found here. If you have any questions about the project, please contact Lisa Naschert or Eric Horster.