Coastal tourism could be “revolutionised” by a new EU-funded project to improve the digital capabilities of the blue economy on the Atlantic seaboard, the Western Development Commission (WDC) says.

The WDC has announced details of the Digital Innovation in the Blue Economy to Support Tourism (DIBEST), valued at over two million euros.

"The west coast of Ireland is one of the maritime treasures on Europe's Atlantic seaboard. Enabling our small/medium enterprises (SMEs) to grow the associated marine tourism sector through the identification and adoption of best-in-class digital technologies is at the core of the DIBEST project,” Ian Brannigan, WDC's Head of Regional Development, states.

"The digital age has “shifted the business landscape"

“ This aligns with the Western Development Commission's strategic aim to connect our unique regional offerings—in terms of communities, coastline, and experiences—with global visitors. As such, the Western Development Commission is excited to work with national and international partners in bringing this initiative to fruition,” he said.

Tourism micro-SMEs have long been the backbone of the Atlantic Area's economy and culture, offering a diverse range of services from accommodation and food to tours and entertainment, the WDC says.

However, the digital age has “shifted the business landscape, often favouring larger enterprises”, it points out.

“For example, consider a tour operator without an online booking system, who relies solely on phone bookings. Such businesses are potentially losing out on customers to more digitally advanced providers who offer online booking capabilities. DIBEST aims to target this type of micro-SME and assist them in levelling the playing field,” it says.

“Drawing from insights gained from the Tourism 4.0 project, micro-SMEs have highlighted booking systems, revenue management software, and CRM solutions as the most crucial technological tools for their operations,” it says.

“Looking ahead, the most relevant technologies for future implementation are related to online sales, followed by data analysis, automation, and cybersecurity. DIBEST aims to address these specific needs, enhancing the digital competitiveness, market access, and environmental sustainability of Atlantic Area tourism micro-SMEs,” it says.

Over the course of DIBEST, a digital toolkit will be created, as well as a comprehensive training programme that emphasises shared learning, mentoring, and business matchmaking on digital transformation, innovation, and technologies, it explains.

It says that while the specifics of the toolkit are yet to be confirmed and will be shaped by initial scoping and training needs analysis; the project aims to create a holistic approach to digital empowerment.

“This aligns with WDC's ongoing campaign, 'Local Living, Global Opportunities,' positioning the western region of Ireland as a prime location for both sustainable and digitally advanced tourism,”it says.

The project is backed by a diverse consortium from Ireland, France, Portugal, and Spain, and will engage academic institutions, public bodies, and private organisations.

More details are here