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 To advance and shape a tourism model for the 
			  21st century based on innovation, technology, sustainability and 
			  accessibility – these are the aims of the World Conference on 
			  Smart Destinations to be held in Murcia on 15-17 February. The event has been 
			  organized by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Ministry 
			  of Energy, Tourism and Digital Agenda of Spain, and the Region of 
			  Murcia.   A few weeks following the launch of the 
			  International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, the 
			  city of Murcia has picked up the baton to offer a platform for the 
			  discussion of key issues in the global agenda of the sector, such 
			  as innovation, technology, sustainability and accessibility. The 1st UNWTO World Conference on Smart 
			  Destinations will bring together government representatives, 
			  private sector entities, researchers and academics, as well as 
			  technology centres. Among the topics to be addressed is that of 
			  digital applications that make it possible to offer increasingly 
			  customized services and to differentiate tourist destinations that 
			  provide added value while preserving the natural, social and 
			  cultural environment. “These themes, which are priorities of the work 
			  of the World Tourism Organization, define 21st century tourism: 
			  committed to ecosystems, local cultures and to economic and social 
			  development,” explained UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai. “It 
			  will be impossible to capitalize on the potential of tourism in 
			  aspects such as job creation and socioeconomic development if we 
			  do not commit to and move towards sustainable practices that are 
			  respectful of the environment and local communities.” The conference includes an academic block in 
			  which research related to 21st century tourism will be presented. 
			  A session will also feature entrepreneurs who have developed 
			  highly innovative products or services in the area of smart 
			  destinations. The event will conclude with the reading of a 
			  manifesto summarizing the contributions of the participants, which 
			  will form the basis of the first UNWTO report on smart 
			  destinations.  
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