The contribution of blockchain technology to the development of “Smart Tourism” (Blockchain technology: A bridge to “Smart Tourism”) was the subject of a special session held on Saturday, March 26 with the online participation of the President of EOT, Angela Gerekou, in the Global Tourism Forum, Dubai.
In the introduction of her speech, the President of EOT referred to the opening of the tourist season in Greece since the beginning of March, as well as to the actions of the Greek government for the active support of the companies affected by the war in Ukraine. He also briefly presented the new tourist markets to which Greece is addressing and the targeted campaigns that EOT is already implementing.
Regarding the need for digital upgrades, Ms. Gerekou noted that the pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital technologies in Greece, as well as around the world.
“The Greek government has taken many important steps to promote the digital agenda, but of course more can be done to develop digital services and stimulate business digitization,” he said. “This includes promoting competition and providing incentives for interoperability in digital markets, increasing the availability of digital and complementary skills and enhancing access to innovation finance “.
Referring, in particular, to the use of new technologies in the field of tourism, the President of EOT characterized the blockchain as an effective tool with many uses besides financial and cryptocurrencies. “This technology has revolutionized many parts of our daily lives. “I firmly believe that tourism and the blockchain have the potential to become a powerful combination, as this technology offers security and transparency in many critical issues and especially in the way we travel,” he said.
“Technology must serve the people”
At the same time, he pointed out the ethical dimension in the relationship between design and results in everyday life, since “technology is here to serve people.”
“The promise that the blockchain will have an impact on millions of people, literally changing the world, is real,” he said. “The key features of transparency, trust and variability can improve people’s lives by increasing the efficiency, security and verifiability of how organizations operate with a positive social impact.”
Concluding, Ms. Gerekou noted that the internet is related to connection and blockchain with trust and concluded: “It is up to us to protect the ethical use, the Blockchain Ethical Design Framework, which ensures the protection of social values.”
It is noted that the World Tourism Forum in Dubai was attended by, among others, the former President of France, François Hollande, the former Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization, Taleb Rifai, as well as top executives of international tourism organizations.
Latest News
BoG: Feb. Current Account Deficit up by 1.8bln
At current prices, exports dropped by 10.3% (‑10.7% at constant prices) and imports grew by 5.7% (9.4% at constant prices).
Greece Becoming a ‘Refuge’ for German Pensioners
The government's policies to attract foreign property buyers to boot the economy is working, reports German newspaper Handelsblatt
Iran Activates Air Defense System- Reports of Attack by Israel
An Iranian official said explosions reported by Iran's media were the result of the activation of the country's air defense system, yet media reports attribute them to a drone attack by Israel
Poll: Greeks, EU Citizens Eager to Vote in European Elections
EU citizens are eager to vote in the upcoming elections for the European Parliament in June, with eight in 10 saying the current geopolitical situation makes voting imperative
Mitsotakis-Erdogan Meeting in Ankara Fixed for May 13
The Greek PM himself made the announcement from Brussels on Thursday, while he also responded to a question on Athens' intent to create a marine park in the central Aegean, an environmental initiative
Greece Aims to Boost Energy Capacity, Economy with Offshore Wind Farms
Greece’s Energy Ministry is pushing legislation to accelerate the construction of the first floating wind farms in Greek seas
Reuters: Greek Economy Surges After Decade of Pain
Nevertheless, the article also highlights some of the challenges facing the country, with a falling birthrate and labor shortages posing a threat to the long-term outlook
IMF: Greek Growth in 2024 at 2%; Debt to Ease to 158.8% of GDP This Year
Projected consumer prices are forecast to rise by 2.7%
Major Increase in Russian Natgas Imports by Greece in 1Q 2024
Russian state natgas exporter Gazprom dominated imports to the country, mostly through the overland pipeline entering via a northern frontier pipeline
Lamda Development Announces First Profitable Year for The Ellinikon Project
The ATHEX-listed developer reported 206 million euros in EBITDA for FY23, a 69%-percent increase from 2022 results