In a world where mass tourism can threaten natural resources and the traveler’s experience, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have become key allies in developing sustainable tourism. By collecting, analyzing, and visualizing spatial data, smart maps enable tourism managers to make informed decisions that balance environmental preservation with visitor enjoyment.
Managing visitor flows
In highly visited destinations such as national parks or historic centers, GIS allows real-time monitoring of tourist influx. For example, with sensors and mobile applications, visitors can be directed toward less crowded routes, reducing pressure on fragile areas. This technology also aids in planning infrastructure, such as parking and facilities, ensuring a seamless and sustainable visitor experience.Protecting natural resources
GIS facilitates the analysis of tourism’s environmental impact. By using smart maps, vulnerable areas can be identified, and access can be restricted during critical periods, such as nesting seasons or flora regeneration. In the Galápagos Reserve, for instance, GIS is used to monitor visitor behavior and protect endangered species.
Optimizing tourism planning
Destinations can plan long-term strategies using data collected by GIS, evaluating mobility patterns and tourist preferences. Additionally, they integrate climatic and seasonal information to promote activities that minimize environmental impact.
In conclusion, GIS is an essential tool for sustainable tourism, helping protect natural resources while offering an enriching and responsible experience to visitors. The combination of technology and conservation paves the way for a future where traveling does not mean sacrificing the planet.
The success story of Alcaudete
As part of sustainable tourism efforts, Fisotec has developed a 360º Virtual Tour for the municipality of Alcaudete, offering citizens and tourists an innovative experience that promotes the responsible discovery of its historical heritage.
The primary goal of the virtual tour was to bring urban inventory and Alcaudete’s most iconic landmarks closer to the public, facilitating visit planning and encouraging accessible and sustainable tourism. This platform enables visitors to enjoy the local heritage without being physically present, alleviating congestion at popular sites during peak seasons.
The project was executed using 360º multilens cameras, capturing high-quality images and sounds to create a digital twin of the town’s most significant sites. These data were processed and integrated into the Smart Tourism platform, resulting in an immersive and interactive representation of key locations such as the Calatrava Castle and other historic buildings in the municipality.
The resulting platform is an intuitive and accessible tool, designed to offer users an interactive exploration experience. Through this virtual tour, visitors can explore Alcaudete digitally, plan their visit in advance, and discover historical corners from anywhere in the world. This solution not only boosts the municipality’s tourism promotion but also ensures a more efficient and sustainable use of its resources.
At Fisotec, we continue to champion innovative technologies that connect historical heritage with smart tourism, offering solutions that benefit both cities and their visitors.