Digital Directory Serves Up Innovative Traveltech Solutions To Scotland's Tourism Smes

4th December 2020

A new digital directory of more than 100 traveltech businesses and 30 industry case studies goes live today (Friday 4 December 2020).

Developed by the Traveltech for Scotland cluster, it showcases how various technologies such as online ticketing, smartphone apps and social distancing solutions can help tourism businesses in Scotland adapt and diversify in a post-COVID-19 world.

Traveltech for Scotland has collaborated with experienced tourism leaders, Karin Gidlund and Megan McGurren, who, as part of a previous industry project with Jemma Reid and Thayanne Scardini, created a Scottish tourism toolkit resource to help businesses develop their digital capabilities in response to the pandemic.

Karin and Megan have led on developing the new interactive directory, designed to help tourism businesses find the technologies they need.

The directory includes information for attractions, tour operators, accommodation providers and transport companies, showcasing more than 100 technology companies offering solutions to tourism businesses. These include booking platforms, touchless solutions, digital signage and more, highlighting Scotland's diverse traveltech innovators alongside their UK and overseas counterparts.

Since launching in August 2020, Traveltech for Scotland has engaged with more than 100 businesses, developing collaborations with industry partners including Tech Nation, Codeclan, ScotlandIS, the Scottish Tourism Alliance and VisitScotland.

The initiative is jointly funded by Scottish Enterprise and the 2014-2020 European Structural and Investment Fund through SPRITE (Scottish Programme for Research, Innovation and Technology Ecosystem) and aims to support a growing Scottish traveltech community to capitalise on training, funding, learning and collaborative project opportunities.

Joshua Ryan-Saha, Director of Traveltech for Scotland, said: "Since launch, we have been impressed by the agility and resilience of the traveltech businesses and their commitment to deliver innovative technology in a challenging environment. These technologies are already helping Scottish tourism businesses adapt their products and services to meet evolving customer needs.

"Traveltech is going to play an important part in getting the Scottish tourism sector back on its feet and this directory will help tourism businesses connect with Scotland's traveltech pioneers."

Aileen Lamb, Tourism Manager at Scottish Enterprise, said: "The passion, entrepreneurial spirit and innovation evident across Scotland's traveltech community is recognised as one of the important building blocks which will help our places, tourism businesses and communities build back post-COVID 19. Working together to create new opportunities and solve challenges is the ‘Scottish way'.

"The importance of bringing these two vital parts of Scotland's economy together can’t be underestimated and Scottish Enterprise is proud to support this important programme."

The Traveltech Directory will be showcased in a series of online sessions commencing Wednesday 9 December, continuing into 2021, to help tourism businesses get the best out of the digital resource, with the aim of finding tech solutions that can help them not only adapt to unprecedented challenges but build a more resilient and sustainable future.

You can view the directory here Traveltech Directory - Universe