Benidorm launches BeCiTi, its new smart tourism innovation centre

Benidorm took a significant step on Monday in solidifying its status as an international leader in tourism innovation with the launch of BeCiTi, the city's new Smart Tourism Innovation Centre. Mayor Toni Pérez officially announced the commencement of this pioneering hub's activities during a press conference, where he also unveiled its graphic identity.

BeCiTi aims to drive the transformation of tourism through sustainability, technology, and collaborative intelligence. "This project is a logical and coherent step in the journey we began when we became the world's first certified smart tourist destination in 2018," explained Pérez. He emphasized that the hub will be fully aligned with national initiatives such as the Smart Destinations Platform (PID) and the Open Innovation Platform (PIA), both spearheaded by Segittur and also based in Benidorm.

The new centre will be housed in the municipal building of El Torrejó, with facilities adapted to accommodate the hub without disrupting other services. The Local Government Board has already approved the adaptation works, with a budget of nearly 300,000 euros covering both renovations and technical assistance for the launch and a year of service.

Developed alongside the technology consultancy Bosonit, which specializes in generative artificial intelligence, BeCiTi is defined as an open ecosystem for startups, companies, institutions, and citizens. It will not be a conventional accelerator but a genuine engine of dynamism combining talent, training, funding, and real validation of technological solutions in tourism environments.

The hub's activities will revolve around a multisectoral innovation network, where public and private entities, universities, and technology centres will collaborate. Its methodology will be based on innovation cycles focused on five major strategic challenges: energy sustainability, water sustainability, sustainable mobility, hotel processes, and tourism data management.

Each cycle will promote co-creation through working groups, ideation sessions, and open calls for startups and tech SMEs. Selected proposals will be validated through proof-of-concept tests in real environments, supported by mentors and experts. Additionally, BeCiTi will offer collaborative spaces, training itineraries, strategic events, and access to funding.

"BeCiTi is a meeting point for all stakeholders who have something to contribute to the future tourism sector," stated the mayor. "We want to transform local challenges into global solutions by connecting talent, technology, and territory. Our goal is for the solutions developed here to be tested in the city and have a real impact."

Toni Pérez reminded that this hub does not arise by chance but as a result of a solid strategy based on intelligent data management. "For years, Benidorm has been sharing information with companies like Hosbec or Hidraqua to improve planning and management. This approach has allowed us to develop cutting-edge projects in accessibility, airspace management, beach capacity, or environmental indicators."

With the launch of BeCiTi, Benidorm strengthens its leadership in tourism transformation and positions itself as the epicentre of tourism innovation not only in the Mediterranean but throughout Europe.