Today, the main challenge facing the tourism sector is data. The ability to collect it, store it, organize it and turn it into decision-making support. Companies in the sector seek to know the profile of their visitors, their tastes and preferences, in order to personalize their offer and thus exceed expectations.
Data from the Bank of Portugal shows that in Portugal, in 2021, almost 100% of companies in the tourism sector will be micro and small businesses, representing a turnover of 18,524 million euros. In such a dynamic and volatile sector, innovation is the key to maintaining competitiveness.
This is where the DNS Testbed comes in. DNS provides services for testing and experimenting with: (i) access control systems (using QR Code readers, the Internet, electromagnetic coils, infrared sensors, traffic lights, intercoms and/or other technologies), (ii) integration with other web platforms; (ii) automation of services/processes (e.g.: switchboards); (iv) augmented reality and virtual reality; (v) digital concierge systems to respond efficiently to visitors' needs, (vi) geofencing, used to activate actions (e. g.: sending notifications or messages), (vii) booking and evaluation mechanisms for tourist experiences. (vi) geofencing, used to activate actions (e.g.: sending notifications or messages) depending on when a visitor enters or leaves a certain geographical perimeter; (vii) mechanisms for booking and evaluating tourist experiences; (viii) analysis of visitor data (e.g.: count, origin, etc.); (ix) online booking systems and (x) digital planning tools.