The Smart Destination 2024 guide is here! Self-checks for the Smart Destination maturity model 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 Smart Destination 2024 guide and updated self-checks for the Smart Destination maturity model, which the German Institute for Tourism Research (DI Tourismusforschung) at the FH Westküste University of Applied Sciences has developed further 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 has been adapted and new topics and categories have been added, as Smart Destinations today have to take AI in particular into account in their work. With the help of the guide and the self-checks, towns and regions are supported on their way to becoming a Smart Destination.

The guide and the self-checks were developed as part of a research cooperation between the DI Tourismusforschung of the FH Westküste University of Applied Sciences in Heide and Tourismus NRW and are aimed at destinations throughout Germany. The first edition of the guidelines and self-checks was published in 2022. Continuous further development of the offerings should 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. You can find the dates and registration links here.

If you have any questions about the project, please contact Lisa Naschert or Eric Horster.