digi-lodge Shifting Greek regions to Tourism 2 0

digi-lodge Shifting Greek regions to “Tourism 2. 0” through ERDF Yannis Larios // 16. 01. 2012 // Regiostars 2012 – The Awards for Innovative Projects

Greece has been linked to the crisis…

… yet the collective perception on Greece, still holds true!

There exist bright spots of growth

There exist bright spots of growth Tourism!

… the “heavy industry” of Greece

… has this specific look!

… Tourism is a major GDP contributor

… but Tourism is also a major employer 840. 000 jobs

… a recent Mc. Kinsey report*, identified Weak “reach” in emerging tourism markets Condensed tourist season Low use of multi-channel platforms to stepimprove pre-visit experience * Greece 10 Years Ahead – Tourism and Growth

Tourism How do you move it forward?

Tourism 2. 0 …step-up in innovation!

Nowadays, tourism is about shared experiences

… and these are our “Ambassadors”: Visitors!

…it’s them that build the brand of the country

yet…

We have to change that!

digi-lodge infuse service innovation to hotels & lodges across Greece by harnessing ERDF

Go Directly to the Real Economy with a “swiping” initiative

Infused Service Innovation

digi-lodge accelerated “digital investments” at hotels and lodges co-financed “service innovation” in: • multi-lingual websites, with obligatory e-booking systems • secure transaction platforms • content management systems for touristic content • online real-time services to clients • mobile applications • backoffice and frontoffice systems that enhance the hotel’s efficiency (CRM, Inventory systems, Hotel Management software etc. ) • Inhouse wireless networking facilities

digi-lodge accelerated “digital investments” at hotels and lodges enhanced “digital exposure” through financing: • Search Engine Optimisation services • Digital marketing and promotion campaigns • Strategic use of Social media for promotion

Innovation in the Submission Process: Transparency and speed Innovation in auditing

total envisaged budget per hotel/ lodge € 7. 000 - € 40. 000 (according to stars-ratings or key-ratings)

digi-lodge co-financing support 60% Initial available budget (public financing): € 45 mil. National Private contribution: € 30 mil.

Phenomenal participation! CC – Flickr user buck 82

2. 859 hotels successfully evaluated as eligible

1. 800 hotels’ digital investments concluded

Sustainability Hotels that embrace the digital-era can never abandon efficiency gains!

Partnerships country-wide initiative that combines regional needs “Portable” to EU regions

Regional impact

digi-lodge Shifting Greece to “Tourism 2. 0” through ERDF Thank you! Yannis Larios // Digital Aid – Information Society SA