The main objective of the I-DEMO project is to strengthen the skills of tourism professionals, especially those working in Destination Management Organizations (DMOs), through the integration of game-based methodologies and tools. The project aims at developing a new professional profile and promoting creativity and digital transformation for enhancing the quality of tourism experiences as well as the sustainable development of local destinations.

More precisely, DAISSy-HOU exploited the kick-off meeting and had the opportunity to meet the I-DEMO consortium in person, exchange know-how, and plan the first activities, such as mapping good practices in Europe, shaping the professional profile in game-based tourism, and creating key project tools.

It is noteworthy that the I-DEMO project will develop significant game-based tools in the tourism sector, including a Visual Virtual Map and the I-DEMO Digital Toolkit, featuring good practices from EU tourism destinations. A highlight of the project will be the organization of a European Hackathon, providing space for presenting and evaluating innovative ideas in this field.

The DAISSy Research Group of HOU actively contributes to all project deliverables, ensuring the quality implementation of work packages. Additionally, DAISSy-HOU is responsible for:

• The design and development of a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on “Game-based Tourism”, which will be freely available and aims to support skill development for tourism professionals
• The formulation of the professional profile in the field of game-based tourism

Furthermore, DAISSy-HOU is involved in the data collection and analysis, as well as the dissemination and exploitation activities at the national level.

The I-DEMO project runs for 30 months (1.11.2024–30.4.2027) and is co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union under the action “KA220-VET – Cooperation Partnerships in Vocational Education and Training.” It is implemented by a consortium of seven (7) partners from six (6) European countries (Italy, Greece, Cyprus, the Netherlands, Poland, and Portugal), with DAISSy-HOU as the Greek partner.

For more information about the I-DEMO project by:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573653629362
• Linkedin : http://www.linkedin.com/in/i-demo-project-74444a353
• Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/idemoproject/

I-DEMO seeks to support EU tourism professionals by equipping them with essential skills in game-based tourism. This will be achieved by:

• Developing an I-DEMO Skills Profile for Game-Based Tourism, defining the key competencies required for Destination Management Organization (DMO) professionals.
• Designing and implementing the I-DEMO Online Course “Game-Based Tourism”, providing professional training focused on digital, entrepreneurial, and creative skills.
• Creating an I-DEMO Toolkit, which includes guidelines and a Visual Virtual Map of EU best practices in gamification for tourism.
• Organizing an I-DEMO Hackathon, showcasing 40 innovative proposals from 8 EU destinations.
• Launching a dissemination campaign through webinars, promotional materials, and a handbook featuring successful gamification practices in tourism.

The DAISSy Research Group of the HOU will be actively involved in all project deliverables. Being a key partner, DAISSy-HOU will contribute its educational and technological expertise and it will be responsible for:

• Coordination of Work Package 2: Leading the Target Group Analysis and Skills Profile work package to identify the competencies necessary for tourism professionals in game-based tourism.
• Development of Online Learning: Designing and delivering the I-DEMO online course on “Game-Based Tourism”, tailored to the needs of current and future tourism professionals.
• Research and Analysis: Conducting needs analyses and collaborating with industry experts to develop relevant and practical learning tools.
• Participation in Multiplier Events: Organizing and contributing to webinars and events to disseminate the project’s outcomes and engage key stakeholders in the tourism sector.
• Expertise Contribution: Providing technical and educational expertise to ensure high-quality, innovative learning resources aligned with current industry standards.

The I -DEMO is a thirty-month project (1.11.2024–30.04.2027) funded by the “ERASMUS Lump Sum Grant” program of the European Union (EU). It is coordinated by the “Timesis SRL” (Italy) and the consortium includes seven (7) partners in six (6) EU member-states (Italy, Cyprus, Greece, Netherlands, Poland and Portugal). The DAISSy Research Group of the HOU will be thoroughly linked for the effective implementation of the project activities in Greece, embracing also several respective stakeholders aiming at the multiple exploitation of the project results and its impact.

Stay tuned and find out more about the I-DEMO project and other activities of the DAISSy-HOU:

• Website: https://daissy.eu/
• Facebook: @DAISSyResearchGroup
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daissyresearchgroup/, http://www.linkedin.com/in/i-demo-project-74444a353
• X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/daissy_research
• Instagram : @daissy_researchgroup, https://www.instagram.com/idemoproject/
• Email : info@daissy.eap.gr