The BCThubs project was successfully presented by Dr Simon Caruana from Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) at the 11th International Conference of the International Association of Cultural and Digital Tourism (IACuDiT), held on Naxos Island, Greece, from September 3rd to 5th, 2024.
The conference, titled “Innovation and Creativity in Tourism, Business, and Social Sciences,” aimed to address the dynamic challenges and opportunities arising from the digital transformation of the industry. It brought together researchers, communities, and government stakeholders, serving as a crucial platform for fostering innovation and creativity in the tourism sector. It provided also a good mix of stimulating discussions, cutting-edge paper presentations, interesting social events and highly respected Keynote Speakers.
Dr Simon Caruana’s presentation on the first day of the conference, was dedicated to the session for BCThubs (setting up the Malta Permanent Hub) and emphasized the challenges faced by European Seas, including the Mediterranean, which host numerous Underwater Cultural Heritage sites, but a few of these sites are being exploited sustainably, contributing minimally to social welfare, cohesion, and growth. Through the establishment of BCT Excellence hubs in Bulgaria, Greece, and Malta, the initiative aims to foster regional research excellence and innovation. Dr. Simon Caruana highlighted the progress made in setting up the Maltese BCT Excellence hub at ITS, discussing the challenges encountered and the opportunities that have emerged.
The presentation of the project at the conference was intended to raise awareness and invite collaboration from across the Mediterranean and beyond, ultimately paving the way for increased social, economic, and environmental benefits.
