The European Space Agency (ESA) is proposing a funding opportunity called Space4Tourism that targets the development of space-based services to support tourism and travel industry in a context of the digital transformation of the sector. Digital solutions are being developed to create live tourism experiences and will be increased deployed to support virtual experience for remote destinations.
The Proposals by the Industry can cover multiple themes. On top of the themes listed below, additional themes can be proposed by the industry if deemed commercially relevant and supported by customers/ users involved in the study by the Industry (support to be evidenced in letter of support).
1. Use of digital and connectivity solutions to help the tourism sector embrace new business models required in post COVID-19
- Shift towards unmanned transportation, increased use of automation and robots
- Support rural tourism by promoting remote experience
- Provide always-on / everywhere connectivity to travellers
- Support traveller’s experience sharing and active engagement with rural communities
2. Seamless travel
Technology and services to ensure transparency and traceability according to relevant protocols (including border controls) and enable efficient implementation of new regulations.
3. Safe travel
Applications and services to help tourism sector become more resilient to natural / man-made disasters and health issues. Always on connectivity will re-ensure travellers of assistance for unforeseen circumstances; digital solutions will be required to provide factual evidence of safety of local destinations including social distancing; fast response tools and services have to be further developed in order to respond to various types of emergencies (including medical).
4. Guide investments and measuring impact
Measure the net impact of tourism focusing on rural tourism (tourism as catalyst to sustainably and responsibly support rural community’s upliftment) as well as investments and planning, including tourism seasonality, trends monitoring, managing and mitigating risks.
Link to the funded opportunity website: Space for Tourism | ESA Space Solutions
