Overview
Technologies are driving the development of transformational and innovative products and services and new business models in the Tourism sector. Automation, Big Data analytics, apps and sensors, augmented and virtual reality, are all bringing the Tourism sector to an era of automation, contactless connectivity and hyper-personalisation.
Trends
Technology is increasingly used by tourism stakeholders, public and private, to the benefit of visitors, local businesses and job creation.
In addition to data connectivity and service availability through the internet, interactive and personalized experiences for consumers achieved through augmented and virtual reality have entered the travel world (simulations being an increasingly helpful tool used to illustrate dream trips to users), as have AI systems for identifying travelling patterns and behaviours, as well as for offering automated recommendations and services through AI-powered virtual assistants. Big Data, which allows for the development of appropriate customer profiles, is also becoming increasingly relevant, allowing for a better segmentation of campaigns and offers and, thus, a growth in effectiveness and optimization of investment.
Travel technology will become even more powerful with the advent of 5G networks, promising faster loading speeds and more stable connections.
Nevertheless, Covid-19 has had an undeniable impact on international tourism, leading to a significant reduction in international travel and limitations on the use of tourism services. Despite this impact, technology is arising as a central tool to ensure that health conditions are met and that the tourism sector can safely reopen. The implementation of technologies such as AI, mobile phone applications (particularly health apps allowing for secure temperature-measuring, health-checking and epidemic outreach and evolution) may be of great assistance to the tourism sector.
Legal Challenges
New legal and regulatory challenges arise from the increasing digitalisation, automation and connectivity:
The use of technology in development and construction brings new challenges that require legal and regulatory support, including when it comes to data, cybersecurity, insurance and liability issues, as well as in the light of environmental and health concerns.
The adoption of technologies such as AI, AR and VR, IoT and apps for improving the user experience while ensuring respect for environmental and health requirements, as well as the use of digital payments, brings new legal and regulatory challenges.
The implementation of technological improvements for marketing and sales purposes, including using Big Data for personalised offers, are becoming more widespread, which requires legal and regulatory assistance.
- Regulatory, Standards & Compliance
- Technology development, sale, integration and updates
- Data (personal and non-personal) & Cybersecurity
- IP & Trade Secrets
- Liability & Insurance
- Procurement / public-private synergies
Step-by-step
What?
Forces driving the market
Development of technologically innovative products in Tourism through the use of AI, blockchain, VR and AR and mobile applications that enhance the tourism experience.
Resort to Big Data aggregation, analytics and management tools for providing more efficient and customized services.
Resort to emerging technologies such as AI and IoT in order to guide construction and operation of tourism infrastructures and the provision of tourism services.
Resort to emerging technologies to implement health and safety measures, such as multi-dimensional perception security cameras that allow for smoke, heat detection, pressure detection, integration of voice commands for evacuation and staff/client mobilisation in the event of security breaches and incidents, as well as e-health applications.
How?
Can we help you
VdA has vast experience and strong expertise in all policy, legal and regulatory matters associated with the use of technology in Tourism. Our tech and industry insights allow us to provide 360.º legal services to organisations, governments, and regulators.
- Travel agencies
- Hotel and accommodation industry
- Transport companies
- Platforms
- Technology developers and providers
- Investors
- Insurers
- Governments and regulators
Our team of experts is delivering strategic and sophisticated legal advice to help our clients on their most challenging and promising projects. With a track-record of advising complex projects for leading companies in the sector, as well as for the public sector.
VdA services include:
- Advising on regulatory and compliance issues for developing, testing and deploying technologies in the Tourism sector, including platforms, applications, services (e.g., loyalty programs, online contracting and interaction with booking platforms, e-provision of services) and electronic payment services
- Advising on data (personal and non-personal), cybersecurity, insurance and liability issues, as well as on IP protection, technology partnerships and transfers
- Drafting and negotiating contracts for development, sale and purchase, provision of services, including terms of service and privacy policies for digital solutions
- Advising in the implementation of new technological tools (such as AI and blockchain), including negotiating licensing agreements
- Advising on public contracts: administrative contracts, public tenders, pre-contractual proceedings
Our team of experts
The disruption of the Tourism ecosystem raises complex challenges that require a holistic and sophisticated legal analysis.
We help our clients meet their goals through a cross-sector team that brings lawyers from our ICT, Real Estate & Tourism, and Data & Cybersecurity Practice Areas. In addition, to deal with the complex challenges brought by the resort to technologies in the sector, our team further works routinely with our colleagues from Infrastructure & Mobility, Banking & Finance (tackling Fintech as well as Anti-Terrorism and money laundering obligations), IP, Public Law, Litigation, among others.
Why?
Specialised knowledge is required
The opportunities and challenges of the Tourism sector, including those arising from the deployment emerging technologies and the lack of regulatory certainty are complex. Therefore, specialised knowledge is required in the development and deployment of digitalization strategies.
When?
Can we do it for you
Assisting you in devising the best approach and models for your business, project, product and service, in the light of legal and regulatory opportunities and constraints.
Assisting you in the development and setting-up of your business, project, product and service, drafting all required documentation, assisting in the negotiation of contracts, interacting with competent authorities, and accompanying you every step of the way.
Assisting you in addressing day-to-day business goals and challenges in the light of the applicable laws and regulations. We are here for you.