This session’s main objective is to analyse the role of government, local authorities and DMOs (Destination Management Organisations) in the transition towards a circular model at tourist destinations. The session will combine the views of speakers representing the government, local authorities and DMOs with speakers providing an academic approach. Specifically, the aim is to identify recommendations to improve the contribution made by the government, local authorities and DMOs in the transition towards a circular tourism model.

Misuse and abuse of technology is one of the reasons why the linear economy today poses a danger for the planet’s sustainability. However, technology is also unquestionably a means of paving the way for the circular economy without significantly lowering the economic and social development levels that have already been attained. This Session will present trusted technologies for a fast, effective implementation of the circular economy.





The first paper will be on the information and communication technologies (ICTs) that will form the basis for a radical change in the production system, because the only way to make reintroducing materials and equipment into production processes viable is by having appropriate information storage and communication processes. Advanced big data and connectivity solutions must allow materials and equipment to be identified so they can enter the circular economy cycle individually. The second paper will address the environmental technologies that help us treat waste generated by human activity and recover materials and energy to reintroduce them into the biological or technical production system. Finally, the third paper will specifically concern the use of renewable energies in the tourism sector, given their environmental and economic importance. The Session will end by throwing the floor open to attendees.

It aims to bring legislation and market trends closer, to describe the different circular business models, their applicability to tourism sector and to identify competitiveness improvement opportunities of products, processes and services.

First, a brief keynote will be given describing legislation and state of the art trends about the Circular Economy, describing the different circular business models and its applicability to the sector.

Next, a “hands-on” workshop will be carried out, with LEGO and design thinking methodologies, identifying and developing ideas of potential circular business models in a collaborative way to solve a specific challenge to carry out sustainable tourism activities.