Re-establishing Tourism Confidence through Innovative Digital Solutions

Country: Philippines

Start of implementation: 2021

Technology: Internet of Things (IoT)

ITD’s Partner ADB Departments: Southeast Asia Department

ADB Partners:

·        Fairmont Hotel

·       WeavAir—technology service provider

The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted countries in Asia and the Pacific, particularly those heavily dependent on travel and tourism. In response, the Asian Development Bank's Digital Learning Labs (previously known as the Digital Innovation Sandbox Program) launched the "Re-establishing Tourism Confidence Through Innovative Digital Solutions" challenge in October 2020. This initiative sought digital technology solutions to rekindle tourists' confidence in visiting Southeast Asia. The challenge attracted over 60 innovative teams.

Following a rigorous selection process, ten teams were shortlisted and assigned mentors to further hone their ideas. These teams were subsequently narrowed down to four finalists who presented their pioneering solutions to a panel of experts. In March 2021, WeavAir emerged as the standout entry.

WeavAir's approach integrated multi-sensor Internet of Things (IoT) devices with advanced predictive software, offering data-driven recommendations to enhance customer experiences at Fairmont Hotel in Makati in the Philippines. Despite the implementation hurdles posed by COVID-19 mobility restrictions, WeavAir collaborated intensively with the hotel team to install the necessary hardware and scrutinize the data.

WeavAir provided recommendations, many of which were considered by the hotel in their renovations.