The UAB and Hotel Angelats join forces to transform the tourist experience through technology and sustainability.

The Angelats Hotel, nestled in the natural surroundings of Ripollès, has launched a joint project with the UAB Research Park and research staff from the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) to develop new experiences in responsible tourism.

The initiative stands out for the multidisciplinary aspect represented by the UAB, combining the environmental and cultural wealth of the region with the possibilities offered by technology to promote a more environmentally friendly model of hospitality. The project involves the participation of Dr Mariona Ferrandiz and Jana Marco from CREAF; Dr Paloma Valdivia, lecturer in the Department of Education Theories and Social Pedagogy at the UAB; and Dr Francesc Romagosa, lecturer in the Department of Geography and at the FUAB Training School (Tourism and Hotel Management) at the UAB.

The project consists of three main lines of work. The first is the creation of an augmented reality hiking experience, which will allow customers to discover the native flora and fauna through interactive points located along the two itineraries that run through the hotel's estate. This tool will include information on protected species, medicinal plants and sustainable conservation practices in a forest of high ecological and scenic value.

The second line of work focuses on gamification through the creation of a points system that will reward visitors' sustainable behaviour. For example, actions such as using electric bicycles, consuming local products or reducing water consumption will translate into benefits and discounts during the stay. Finally, a proprietary application will be developed to monitor the ecological impact of each stay, offer personalised advice and maintain a commitment to sustainability beyond the visit.

According to its promoters, the project should significantly reduce the hotel's ecological footprint, while offering its customers an innovative experience in line with the expectations of the most environmentally conscious travellers. The collaboration also aims to serve as a benchmark for other establishments in the tourism sector, showing how digitalisation and sustainability can become key pillars of a new model of hospitality.

In addition, the initiative aims to promote dissemination and learning in informal settings, offering experiences that connect university research with the public and promote open education on sustainability and respect for the territory.