VisitBerlin is developing its very own smart tourism database for Berlin, in collaboration with Join GmbH as a partner. The aim is to consolidate all tourism information for the city – from hotels, sights, and museums, to attractions, bars, restaurants, and various MICE events – as a digital data hub with a variety of applications.
The smart database will benefit not only the city’s tourism providers, but such technology will also allow visitors to access the latest information through various channels. The first prototype will be ready by late 2022.
Michael Biel, State Secretary of the Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises, said: “Digitalization is affecting all industries today and tourism as well. The new DataHub is a consequent decision to make the wide range of information about Berlin tourism centrally usable for everyone. Furthermore, by developing a hub for Berlin-specific tourism knowledge, we are helping the industry to position itself for the future and to meet the needs of Berliners and visitors”alike.”
Burkhard Kieker, CEO of visitBerlin, further commented: “With our new DataHub, we are making Berlin tourism a bit smarter and creating the technical foundations to continue to play in the top tier of the international competition among city destinations in the future.”
The launch is set for late 2023. For the prototype planned to be released by the end of the year, internal data from VisitBerlin will be compiled and stored in the database. During the project’s second phase, planned for next year, other external systems will also be integrated into the system.
The new DataHub will lay the groundwork for further smart applications, including AI-based services. For example, personalized tips for visitors might be possible, alongside travel products specifically tailored for them.
The Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises will also offer financial support for the tourism data hub.
