EU Co-Funding Supports Development of AI-Powered Tourism Innovation Platform
We are pleased to announce that Boldest has been selected as a beneficiary of the ST3ER (Scaling Twin Transition in Tourism by harnessing the Experience Economy for greater Resilience) program, an initiative co-funded by the European Union.
This recognition validates our commitment to advancing sustainable tourism through innovative technology solutions and aligns with the European Union’s strategic objectives for digital transformation and environmental sustainability in the tourism sector.
Project Overview: AIMTO
Our selected project, AIMTO (AI-powered Interactive Maps for Tourism Operators), represents a significant advancement in tourism technology accessibility. The initiative focuses on developing artificial intelligence capabilities that automatically generate professional-grade interactive tour circuit maps specifically designed for small and medium tourism enterprises (SMEs) and tour operators.
The ST3ER program recognizes the critical need for innovative solutions that build resilience and sustainability within Europe’s tourism ecosystem. AIMTO directly addresses these challenges through:
- Digital democratization: Providing SMEs with access to enterprise-level digital marketing tools previously available only to large corporations
- Sustainable tourism distribution: Creating intelligent routing that disperses visitor impact while highlighting authentic local experiences
- Economic resilience: Strengthening the competitive position of small tourism businesses through advanced technology adoption
- Community empowerment: Supporting local economies through enhanced digital presence and visitor engagement
Technical Innovation and Market Impact
AIMTO leverages advanced artificial intelligence algorithms to transform static tourism information into dynamic, engaging interactive experiences. The platform’s AI understands tourism patterns, local attractions, and optimal routing to create compelling discovery journeys that balance popular destinations with lesser-known local experiences.
This technology addresses a significant market gap: while large tourism corporations have access to sophisticated digital marketing tools, smaller operators often lack the resources or technical expertise to compete effectively in the digital landscape.
European Leadership in Tourism Innovation
Selection for the ST3ER program positions Boldest within Europe’s most innovative tourism technology ecosystem. The program represents the European Union’s commitment to supporting breakthrough technologies that can reshape industries while maintaining focus on sustainability, community benefit, and economic resilience.
This partnership facilitates collaboration with other selected companies, creating opportunities for knowledge sharing and potential technology integration that will benefit the broader European tourism sector.
Project Timeline and Development Goals
Throughout 2025, our development team will focus intensively on refining AIMTO’s AI capabilities, conducting extensive testing with tourism industry partners, and ensuring the platform meets the diverse needs of European SMEs across different markets and tourism segments.
The project includes comprehensive evaluation phases, stakeholder engagement sessions, and iterative development cycles designed to deliver a robust, user-friendly platform that genuinely transforms how small tourism businesses approach digital marketing.
Commitment to Sustainable Tourism Development
AIMTO’s design philosophy aligns with European Union objectives for sustainable tourism development. By facilitating better distribution of visitor flows and highlighting authentic local experiences, the platform supports more balanced tourism development that benefits entire communities rather than concentrating economic impact in already-saturated areas.
The technology enhances rather than replaces human expertise, preserving the authentic character and local knowledge that make European destinations distinctive while providing the digital tools necessary for competitive market participation.
Acknowledgment and Future Outlook
We extend our appreciation to the European Union for this significant investment in tourism innovation and to the ST3ER program coordinators for their support throughout the selection process.
Bold choices for bold discovery.
This grant represents more than financial support—it validates our vision for democratizing premium tourism technology and creating tools that serve communities while driving economic growth.
The future of European tourism lies in intelligent, accessible, and community-focused innovation. With ST3ER’s support, we are committed to delivering technology that transforms how tourism businesses connect with travelers while supporting sustainable destination development across Europe.
