Latest news with #digitaltourism
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Going digital: New digital tourism survey to launch in June
HONOLULU (KHON2) — A new digital push is taking off in Hawaii, this time aimed at understanding our visitors better. After a promising run with the digital agricultural forms, the state is preparing to launch a digital tourism survey that could better support Hawaii's economic future. Future of Oahu's landfill in limbo as leaders look at other options They come for the sun, surf and aloha spirit, but state officials are hoping that Hawaii visitors leave behind something just as valuable as their vacation dollars, something as simple as data. Next month, the state will roll out a digital tourism survey, similar to the paper survey you're asked to fill out on flights, but accessible on your smart phones or laptops. It's the latest chapter in embracing technology to better manage the impacts of travel and tourism. 'We used to get between 70 and 80 percent of people filling it out. So, we hope to get the same. Now it's digital, so it's real quick and you don't have to go ask your neighbors for a pen,' said James Tokioka, the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism tourism survey follows the state's digital agricultural declaration form that was launched in March. The pilot project has proven successful. In a statement from the lieutenant governor, when the pilot started the form had around a 60% compliance rate compared to recent weeks' compliance rate of around 74%. The pilot included 30% of the airlines participating. Due to the success, the pilot program will be extended at least to the end of the year and to add more airlines. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news 'We'll get 50% of the airlines, and then after that, we'll just try to get as many as we can, till we get 100% of them,' Tokioka said. But for the last three months of the pilot project, survey data has been missing. A gap that state officials say was intentional to focus on the agricultural form participation numbers. But officials say that data is now up to date. 'For the forecasters now, all of that data has been back filled. So all of that data is there now. So for the three month period, how it affected it? It affected it at that time. But now we're getting the daily counts,' Tokioka said. Window tint crackdown? 5 things to know about Hawaiʻi's new bill State Senator Glenn Wakai, a longtime supporter of the digital forms, said that even without perfect response rate the state could benefit from the data. 'With tourism data, you don't need 100 percent response rate. You can extrapolate from a 60 percent response rate as to what is compelling people to come here, and how much they're spending here,' Wakai said. It's your chance to have dessert with Dolly Parton The state says the survey remains voluntary and isn't just about convenience, it's about control– being able to predict trends and plan for things such as infrastructure investments. They also intend to update the exit survey for international visitors to get more valuable data. 'Hawaii has the best tourism data in the nation, because Hawaii is the only state that mandates this kind of information,' Wakai said. 'This is something that is unique to Hawaii that we should really capitalize on, take ownership of it and make it better with digitization.' Paper forms are available as backups for passengers who do not have devices to complete the forms. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


Zawya
16-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Tourist Information Centre coming up in Al Buraimi
MUSCAT: Work continues at a rapid pace on the Tourist Information Centre project at the Al Buraimi Gateway, one of the latest initiatives aimed at promoting the cultural and tourism landscape of Al Buraimi Governorate. The project has reached approximately 60 per cent completion, with some final supply and finishing works still pending. The centre is designed as a comprehensive cultural and tourism hub, combining recreational and informational services. It will feature a dedicated café for visitors, a children's play area, and a souvenir shop showcasing the governorate's cultural heritage. The facility is equipped with an advanced system of interactive digital screens, including a main display screen integrated with virtual reality (VR) technology, a semi-cylindrical screen, and four side screens, one of which is directly linked to the National Museum to provide rich and continuously updated cultural content. Obaid bin Salim Al Kaabi, Director of the Projects Department at the Office of the Governor of Al Buraimi, said, 'The Tourist Information Centre project is part of a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing the tourism and service infrastructure in the governorate. It represents a qualitative leap in the way tourism information is presented, using modern digital technologies to enhance visitor experience and align with national trends towards digital tourism.' He added that the remaining works include the supply of furniture, digital games, and a decorative fountain, with completion expected in the near future ahead of the official opening. Once completed, the centre is expected to become a key attraction for visitors and those interested in digital and cultural tourism in Al Buraimi Governorate, supporting both domestic and international tourism activity. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Agoda Renews Partnership with Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism with a Brief to Boost Travel Growth
Agoda hosted the first Agoda Academy workshop in Bandung SINGAPORE, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Agoda, a digital travel platform, has renewed its partnership with Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism as the company continues to promote travel in one of Asia's most alluring destinations. The renewed MOU signifies an expanded partnership aimed at boosting both the number of international and domestic visitors as well as using Agoda's world class technology to enhance decision making under Indonesia's "Tourism 4.0" vision, an initiative aimed at encouraging greater use of digital technologies and innovative approaches within the tourism industry. The refreshed collaboration outlines a range of joint initiatives over the next three years including targeted marketing campaigns, the promotion of more sustainable tourism practices and developing digital skills for Indonesia's young tourism professionals. Under this partnership, Agoda hosted the first Agoda Academy workshop to provide workshops to the students at Bandung Tourism Polytechnic. The half-day workshop offered students a glimpse into Agoda's work culture and operational case studies, providing a practical perspective for those interested in acquiring digital tourism skills Gede Gunawan and other Agoda team members presented insights from their experiences, highlighting digital trends and career pathways within the sector. "I am pleased to deepen our collaboration with the Tourism Ministry beyond marketing initiatives. As a committed partner in Indonesia's tourism industry, Agoda is dedicated to sharing world-class expertise and insights to nurture the next generation of tourism professionals in Indonesia," said Gede Gunawan, Senior Country Director at Agoda. "By renewing our collaboration, we're also excited to support the Ministry's vision on Tourism 4.0 with Agoda's expertise in digital solutions. This partnership reinforces our shared commitment to seeing Indonesia thrive as a destination while enabling local communities to benefit from the many opportunities tourism generates around local economies." Home to iconic destinations such as Bali, Yogyakarta, and Komodo National Park, Indonesia offers an unparalleled mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unique experiences. Visitors can explore pristine beaches, trek in lush rainforests, or dive into vibrant underwater ecosystems. Beyond nature, Indonesia's vibrant art, festivals, and culinary offerings—from traditional markets to fine cuisine—promise enriching, immersive experiences for global travelers seeking unforgettable journeys. Chief Secretary Bayu Aji of Ministry of Tourism expressed enthusiasm for the extended collaboration, stating, "We are delighted to expand our partnership with Agoda, as it not only strengthens Indonesia's standing as a vibrant and more sustainable tourism destination, but will also help equip our workforce in the tourism sector for the future through initiatives such as the Agoda Academy Workshop." In the previous MOU between Agoda and Ministry of Tourism, Agoda launched several campaigns co-branded with the Ministry's "Wonderful Indonesia" initiative and promote more sustainable tourism practices. The initiative included collaborations with influencers like Anya Geraldine, amplifications of tourist destinations, and support for the Ministry of Tourism's goals for tourism growth. With access to Agoda's vast network of accommodations, flights, and activities, alongside its expertise in travel technology, the Ministry of Tourism is poised to leverage solutions that help ensure tourism in Indonesia can flourish amidst a rapidly digitizing world. Together, the Ministry and Agoda aim to foster robust, responsible growth across all regions of the market. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Agoda Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data