Post by Wolfgang Toechterle

Recap TourisMUT Connect 2026 – South Tyrol steps up for the future of tourism: What an inspiring kick-off today at NOI Techpark Bolzano! Together with experts and partners from politics, tourism, business and the regions, we shifted our focus forward — to what will shape South Tyrol in the years ahead. In his keynote Roland Benedikter from Eurac Research made one thing crystal clear: Tourism is facing the biggest transformation in its history. From AI-driven personalisation to Hyperloop, the industry is rapidly moving into a new era. 1. Technology is reshaping travel AI concierges & hyper-personalisation: Trips will be individually pre-planned — soon even based on our unconscious needs. New mobility: Supersonic flights, ultra-long-haul non-stop routes and Hyperloop are redefining how we perceive distance. 2. Sustainability is a must, not a nice-to-have CO₂-negative hotels, regenerative travel models and smart infrastructure are becoming the new standard. 3. Five global future trends Gender tourism, aging & longevity, health & self-optimisation, workation/solo travel and sustainable travel are shaping new target groups and offers worldwide. 4. What this means for South Tyrol South Tyrol has the opportunity to become a living lab for future tourism: 1. Data sovereignty & AI-powered services 2. A longevity platform for the Alps 3. Virtual models for visitor management & planning 4. Measurable impact instead of marketing claims Our team from IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige then outlined South Tyrol’s 2026 priorities around our key topics: - Internationalisation with a clear plan; - Tourism = a shared living-space responsibility; - Communication and local communities; - Mobility & visitor management that work - Sustainability as a true USP - Agriculture x Tourism - TourisMUT as an innovation engine: Impact Circle, Impact Lab, Executive Expeditions — all about mindset shift and empowering changemakers. Thank you from the heart to the team involved in the moment: Hansi Pichler; Erwin Hinteregger; Luis Walcher; Corinna E.; Andreas Tschurtschenthaler, Wolfgang Gurschler; Thomas Plank; Alice Martintoni; Claudia Hintner; JOACHIM MESSNER; Giulia Insam; Elisabeth Teutsch; Hannes Waldmüller; Gina Vedova; Manuela Irsara; Bettina Maria König; Kurt Sagmeister; Oswald Plangger; Bettina Tschaffert; Julia Perathoner; Christoph Gamper; Anna Gruber What stays after this day? A strong feeling that we are actively shaping the future of tourism — boldly, collaboratively and with a clear strategic direction. The challenges are real, but the energy in the room showed one thing: South Tyrol has the right people, partners and visions on board. Looking forward to turning this momentum into action. 💪