Global initiative in Sweden launches open-access tourism data repository
Sweden has made a significant stride in the digital tourism landscape with the launch of the world's first national tourism API. This innovative system, developed by Visit Sweden, promises to revolutionise the way tourism data is managed and shared, promoting Sweden as a competitive, digitally visible destination.
The API, structured using the global data standard schema.org, enables real-time data integration with external sources such as weather information and public transport schedules. This feature aims to provide tourists with up-to-date and accurate information, enhancing their travel experience.
The initiative aligns with Sweden's national data strategy and promotes open data principles for economic growth and global competitiveness. By making around 14,000 destinations, accommodations, events, and experiences freely accessible to developers and businesses worldwide, the API breaks down barriers and encourages collaboration.
Susanne Andersson, chief executive of Visit Sweden, highlights the inclusion of credible, quality content from small businesses to major hotel chains. This collaborative approach, involving Sweden's regional tourism organisations, municipalities, industry bodies, and individual tourism companies throughout development, ensures a comprehensive representation of Sweden's tourism offerings.
Major Swedish hospitality companies participating include Scandic Hotels, Best Western Hotels & Resort, Strawberry, Svenska Turistföreningen, and Göta Kanal. The open architecture of the platform allows for future technological developments without requiring complete system overhauls, ensuring the API remains relevant and adaptable in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Nils Persson, chief marketing officer at Visit Sweden, expresses pride in aligning with schema.org. He emphasises that the platform allows anyone to access, reuse, and integrate Swedish tourism data into digital services without licensing fees, fostering innovation and creativity.
The system's launch coincides with tourism authorities worldwide facing challenges in maintaining digital relevance across rapidly evolving technological platforms. The API's launch could influence how other countries structure their digital tourism strategies, particularly as travel planning increasingly relies on automated systems and artificial intelligence.
Jonas Siljhammar, chief executive of Visita, Sweden's hospitality industry association, endorses the dedicated API for effective, long-term digital visibility. He believes that the API could level the digital playing field in tourism marketing, allowing small local tour operators access to the same distribution channels as major hotel chains.
The API consolidates data from all 21 regions of Sweden, centralising fragmented data and addressing a longstanding challenge in tourism technology. The platform's launch positions Sweden as a trailblazer in digital tourism, opening the door to exciting innovation and sustainable growth in the industry.
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