The first Smart Tourism Forum was held recently to implement a strategic cooperation agreement signed on Oct 30, 2012, that promotes Beijing's tourism industry.

The event was co-hosted by the management committee of Zhongguancun Science Park, the Beijing Travel Committee, and the Beijing Municipal Commission of Economy and Information Technology. SuperMap Software and other Zhongguancun-based companies displayed their smart tourism products and technologies at the forum.

The science park, home to advanced innovative resources, has formed an industry chain for modern tourism utilizing technologies such as cloud computing and the Internet of Things. The forum encourages cooperation between Zhongguancun companies and Beijing tourism enterprises.

The event is a breakthrough for the industrial development model. Government entities have begun to play a role in planning, investing and leading tourism development. They are expected to be involved in other events related to smart tourism in the future.

Representatives from over 100 A-level scenic spots and more than 60 technology companies in Beijing attended the event.

Edited by Chen Zhilin and Michael Thai