Tequila, Jalisco has been certified as the first “Smart Tourist Destination” in Mexico and Latin America by Smart Tourist Destinations (DTI), a project internationally recognized by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Tequila is now part of the 232-member DTI network, which includes 153 destinations that play a leading role in innovation, technology, sustainability, accessibility and governance in the tourism sector.
In order to receive the certification, a destination must possess cutting-edge technological infrastructure and guarantee sustainable development of the region. Destinations must also promote accessibility for all, facilitate visitor interaction and integration with the environment, improve the quality of life of residents, and increase the quality of visitor experiences.
“With this certification, Jalisco and Tequila are consolidated as avant-garde destinations in smart tourism worldwide, which translates into benefits for both the local population and tourists, adding an economic benefit,” said Germán Kotsiras Ralis Cumplido, Jalisco tourism secretary, in a press statement.
Under the accessibility pillar, Tequila offers sign language and Braille translations. There are wheelchair ramps throughout the town. With sustainability, Tequila has taken advantage of alternative energies with companies and individuals committing themselves to the installation of solar panels and reduction of their carbon footprint. Under the technology pillar, the town has free apps that provide information on all shops, tourist products and services for visitors; free Wi-Fi service in the historic center to which more than 300,000 people are connected a year; and a "Big Data" system that generates information on traffic, peak hours, and commercial activities in real time.
This has been a team effort that began in 2016 as the public and private sector, academia, NGOs, foundations and local leaders such as Grupo JB, Mundo Cuervo, the Consejo de Desarrollo Integral de Tequila (CODIT), Ruta del Tequila, Tequila City Council and the Jalisco Tourism Board joined hands to positively develop Tequila as a leader in the field of smart tourism.
For more information, visit www.visitjalisco.com.
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