Incubators and accelerators have become highly relevant instruments in the entrepreneurship and innovation policy landscape in many countries. However, understanding of the role, impact and potential of incubators and accelerators in the tourism sector remains limited, while barriers such as limited access to finance, skills, and co-ordinated support persist. At the same time, innovation is essential to keep the tourism sector competitive, and respond to rapidly evolving traveller expectations, harness the potential of Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies, and develop more sustainable business and destination management practices.
The webinar is part of work the OECD Tourism Committee is undertaking to inform the development of business support programmes to promote a more dynamic, innovative and competitive tourism ecosystem. This work is undertaken at the request of the European Commission (DG MOVE) in the context of the preparation of the EU Sustainable Tourism Strategy. During the webinar, the OECD will share the key messages from a draft policy paper informed by responses to a survey of countries participating in the OECD Tourism Committee and the European Commission’s Tourism Advisory Council. The draft paper also builds on recent OECD work on tourism, SMEs and entrepreneurship, including on incubators and accelerators. The webinar will be an opportunity to consult with a wider group of stakeholders and gather inputs to further strengthen and refine the paper, explore demand for this type of early-stage support, and identify possible ways forward.