Limited space for businesses on Digital Tourism Support programme

The programme is offering support to eligible businesses and social enterprises of up to three days of free, personalised, one-to-one digital advice from industry experts.

The programme is part of the Northern Innovation Hub (NIH), which was awarded £11m from the UK Government, £1.2m ERDF and £500,000 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) through the Inverness and Highland City Region deal, which is a joint initiative supported by up to £315m investment from the UK and Scottish governments, The Highland Council, HIE and the University of the Highlands and Islands, aimed at stimulating sustainable regional economic growth.

Businesses will receive a bespoke technology adoption plan and may be eligible to apply for a grant from HIE, which will cover up to 50 percent of the cost of implementing the recommended digital tools.

Designed to help tourism organisations advance their digital capabilities for immediate impact and sustainable growth, the programme will help with a range of digital areas, for example:

• Streamlining business processes, such as finances or hotel pricing/demand analysis
• Applications of AI (Artificial Intelligence) in customer service, e.g. through chatbots
• Robotics and automation, e.g. cleaning, concierge services, and baggage handling; and
• mobile technology, front and back-office systems, cloud computing and more.

Anna Miller, head of tourism at HIE, who took to the stage at the AI summit in Eden Court recently, said:

“The AI summit focused on the impact of artificial intelligence in the tourism and hospitality industries. By adopting existing digital technology, organisations can become more efficient and productive. By participating in this programme, businesses can receive personalised digital advice from industry experts, helping them adopt AI applications, streamline operations and enhance customer experience.

“With limited space available on this programme, now is a good time for businesses to embrace digital transformation. Doing so can lead to immediate impacts and sustainable growth, positioning them at the forefront of innovation in the tourism industry.”

Tourism businesses can find out more about the Digital Tourism Support programme on HIE’s website.