Heterogeneity and convergence are two terms often discussed in relation to the tourism industry’s interdisciplinary nature. Heterogeneity refers to the diversity of components within the system, while convergence denotes their merging into a unified entity. Heterogeneous systems consist of diverse parts that may or may not operate in unison, while convergent systems become more integrated and similar over time. In the tourism sector, there exists both heterogeneity, due to the variety of tourism products, and convergence, driven by technological advancements and the demand for sustainable practices.
The tourism industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by advancements, personalized experiences, and sustainability concerns. Interconnections among various sectors are crucial for its sustainable development. The transversality of the tourism industry establishes synergies with cultural heritage, transportation, skills, media, and smart communities, ensuring a seamless tourist experience. The DATES project focuses on developing a secure and trusted tourism data space, emphasizing transparent control of data access, usage, and re-usage. Additionally, the project emphasizes the importance of data governance and business models in the digital transformation of the European tourism industry.
The European tourism industry is experiencing profound changes and generating massive amounts of data. It is vital for tourism professionals, digital private organizations, government entities, academia, and research institutions to stay informed about ongoing developments. Proper data governance guarantees data privacy, security, and transparency. It also ensures GDPR-compliant dynamic data interchange, considering the transversality of the tourism industry.