The Big Data Value Association (BDVA) has just launched Task Force Tourism, aiming to accelerate the adoption of advanced data technologies across Europe’s tourism sector.
Tourism remains a cornerstone of the EU economy, contributing around 10% of total GDP and supporting 22–23 million jobs, roughly one in nine across the bloc. The sector also drives development in coastal, rural and mountain regions while supporting industries such as transport, construction, retail and cultural services.
The new task force will focus on unlocking the potential of data and artificial intelligence to modernise a sector historically dependent on fragmented legacy systems. Central to this effort is the development and use of shared infrastructures such as the Common European Tourism Data Space, which enables access to real-time, granular data on visitor flows, environmental pressures and economic impact. This shift is expected to move tourism policy from reactive decision-making to evidence-based, proactive management.
A key priority is supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, which dominate the tourism ecosystem but often lack the resources to deploy advanced analytics. By promoting shared digital tools and AI capabilities, the initiative aims to level the playing field with global platforms and stimulate new business models.
The task force will also address broader policy challenges, including the sector’s digital and green “twin transition”, the management of overtourism and climate-related disruptions, and Europe’s digital sovereignty in tourism data. These efforts align with upcoming policy developments such as the European Strategy on Sustainable Tourism and the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034.
By bringing together stakeholders from industry, research and policy, this BDVA Task Force aims to strengthen Europe’s tourism ecosystem and ensure that the value generated by tourism data and innovation remains within the EU.
Interested in joining our Task Forces?
Find out more about BDVA’s membership
There are two types of membership: Full Members and Associated Members.
- Full Members can participate in all the activities of the Association, have full voting rights and can be elected to be part of the Board of Directors. Full members enjoy all the benefits of the Association.
- Associated Members can participate in the activities of the Association without voting rights.
Membership applications are reviewed and can be provisionally approved by the Board of Directors of BDVA. Final approval of membership is granted by the BDVA General Assembly.
If you have any further questions, please contact us at info@bdva.eu.