Fuerteventura Unveils the World’s First Tourist Innovation Laboratory
Fuerteventura, one of Spain’s Canary Islands, has recently inaugurated the world’s first laboratory dedicated to tourist innovation, aptly named TOURiLab Fiware Hub. Launched by MNX Online, this groundbreaking project is designed to harness FIWARE technologies and data spaces to foster smart and sustainable tourism.
A Milestone Event
The official presentation took place at the Parque Tecnológico de Fuerteventura, attracting executives and representatives from local, national, and European institutions. This initiative positions Fuerteventura as a pivotal player in the digital transformation of tourism, serving as a vital link between Europe, Spain, and the Canary Islands. The project aligns with the European Commission’s strategy on Digital Innovations Hubs (DIH), emphasizing its significance on a broader scale.
A Hub for Collaboration
TOURiLab is not just a facility; it serves as a technological innovation center that promotes cooperation among the public, private, and academic sectors. Supported by various European and Canary institutions, the lab aims to create an environment where stakeholders can collaborate effectively.
Mannix Manglani, the director of MNX Online and TOURiLab, emphasizes that the project connects tourism actors with secure and efficient data spaces. This connection enhances the capability to share and utilize information—a critical factor driving innovation in the sector. TOURiLab is grounded in FIWARE technology, which guarantees interoperability and transparency in the use of tourism data, both at local and European levels.
Bridging Europe and Peripheral Regions
One of the key roles of TOURiLab is to act as a bridge between Europe and its peripheral regions, ensuring that the islands’ innovative potential extends beyond their shores. The laboratory is tailored to benefit businesses by creating an ideal atmosphere for startups and tech SMEs. This setup allows them to grow, access new markets, and become part of a global innovation network.
Furthermore, TOURiLab serves as a local talent incubator, providing training and practical opportunities for students, professionals, and entrepreneurs on the island. “Our goal is to bring benefits to the people, businesses, and organizations of Fuerteventura,” stated Manglani, highlighting the support they receive from FIWARE and Gaia-X institutions.
Institutional Support
During the welcoming session, Manuel Miranda, the counselor for Territorial Policy, Cohesion, and Water of the Government, noted that “Fuerteventura is beginning to bloom with significant projects within the framework of the Technological Park.” This initiative was born from the commitment of Fuerteventura locals dedicated to innovation.
Carmen Alonso, the councilor for Strategic Projects at the Cabildo de Fuerteventura, praised the center as a means of establishing the island as a leader in the tourism sector’s innovation. She highlighted the importance of data spaces and technology as key components for transformation, digitalization, and sustainability in tourism, aligning seamlessly with Fuerteventura’s Smart Island project aimed at optimizing resource management on the island.
Honoring Local Talent
Marlene Figueroa, the tourism councilor, welcomed attendees to the launch of TOURiLab and expressed gratitude for the local talent and the groundwork laid for such an ambitious project. She emphasized the initiative’s role in benefitting younger local stakeholders, including independent workers and SMEs, indicating that Fuerteventura is beginning to operate on a different level in the tourism sector.
Javier Franco, director of the Canary Agency for Research, Innovation, and Information Society, also shared his excitement about the event. He appreciated the gathering of the R&D and innovation ecosystem in the Canary Islands, highlighting the government’s resolve to diversify the economy through knowledge-based initiatives.
Path to Future Innovations
Lastly, Eduardo Pereira, manager of the Technological Park, expressed pride in the technological projects being developed on the island and acknowledged the importance of local efforts in paving the way for future innovations. With TOURiLab, Fuerteventura is making a significant mark, not only as a tourist destination but also as a hub for technological advancement and smart solutions in the tourism sector.
These developments signal a new chapter for Fuerteventura, where innovation and tourism go hand in hand, shaping a sustainable future for the island and its visitors.
