ITKAM is the Italian Chamber of Commerce for Germany and Programme Enabler Manager for EU DigiTOUR. Sonia Barani and Matilde Paganini are definitely the soul of ITKAM European Project Management. Two smiling faces and a great deal of commitment and passion awaited me during the interview.


Let’s meet them!

How long have you been working on ITKAM? Can you tell us more about your role? 


Matilde
: I’ve been working for ITKAM as a Project Assistant for one and half years. ITKAM is a German-registered non-profit bilateral association and has three offices in Germany, Frankfurt am Main (Headquarter) Berlin and Leipzig (Regional Offices) as well as representative offices in Italy and Austria. I work from the Berlin office, while Sonia from the Leipzig office. My role is to strengthen economic relations between Italy and Germany and I’m focusing mainly on tourism, food, and education related to European Projects. 


Sonia
: I’ve been working at ITKAM for 5 years now as Project Manager for European Projects. As Matilde told you, as a non-profit organization based in Germany with representations in Italy and Austria, ITKAM is eligible as a German, Italian, and Austrian partner within various European funding programs. ITKAM has been helping Italian and German businesses to develop for over 110 years. We are accredited by MIUR (ministry of the Italian government for the national education system, the Italian universities and research) and we offer mobility opportunities such as Erasmus scholarships and internships. COSME and Erasmus projects are definitely a priority for ITKAM. My main areas are sustainability, tourism, and digitalization, as these are all important areas for growth and development. COSME and Erasmus projects are a priority for ITKAM.


What do you enjoy about working at ITKAM and what is the essence of your action?


Matilde
: I enjoy the variety of responsibilities and the chance to work on different projects. I also appreciate the diversity of our team and the friendly working environment. A typical day involves checking the status of different ongoing projects and providing feedback to stakeholders. I communicate with people and companies directly and act as the first point of contact to meet their needs.


Sonia
: I enjoy working with partners who come from different backgrounds and bring new perspectives to the table. It's exciting to move from one topic to the other and learn about different business opportunities. Over these 5 years, I've found that good communication with partners is essential to success. As a coordinator and partner, it's important to have strong coordination skills to ensure that projects run smoothly. We also prioritize training and coaching to ensure that we are always improving and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies.


How does ITKAM support startups in the tourism industry and which kind of businesses are you in contact with?


Matilde
: We provide financial support, knowledge, and access to funding opportunities to help startups develop their ideas further. We also offer expert mentoring to integrate technology into their daily lives and enhance their potential. 


Sonia
: The startups applying are businesses in the tourism industry that have already begun using technology in some way, such as travel agencies. Additionally, there are startups that have developed an idea and need further development and financial assistance to bring their ideas to life. 


What kind of business development services does ITKAM offer?


Matilde
: For years, we have been both a consolidated partner and consortium coordinators for projects and initiatives in the field of European cooperation.


Sonia
: We provide a comprehensive approach to business development, starting from the product to the market, and we help clients with their customer approach and internationalization. Our networking and mentoring programs are some of the services that we offer to help businesses grow.


Can you tell us something about EUDigiTOUR?


Matilde
: EU Digitour is my first European project focusing on tourism digitalization. Currently, I’m involved in other initiatives aimed at increasing tourism in rural areas. This European Project is something special because it brings together different countries and organizations to work towards a common goal. 


Sonia
: As Matilde said, it fosters cooperation across borders, which can lead to new ideas and innovative solutions. Additionally, EU DigiTOUR provides funding opportunities, which can help businesses and organizations to develop and grow. Overall, the European Projects and EUDigiTOUR  are a unique and valuable initiative that promotes collaboration, innovation, and progress.





Thank you for your time, Matilde and Sonia!


July 2, 2024
We are thrilled to announce the 31 innovative companies that have emerged victorious in the Hackathon program of the EUDigiTOUR project.
March 19, 2024
Meet the Digital Champions:  Traveleco, Leading Sustainable Tourism through Digitalization
March 19, 2024
Meet the Digital Champions: Weforguest, elevating Hotel Performance
October 23, 2023
In the ever-evolving landscape of the tourism sector, technological advancements have ushered in a digital transformation.
October 23, 2023
Join the EU DigiTOUR Hackathons: Transforming Tourism SMEs with Digital Innovation. Explore the Call for Tourism SMEs and be part of the digital transformation journey. Learn more!
July 5, 2023
Transformation Lighthouse is a team of professional and crazy people who like technology and innovation, but strive towards a better society that will put people first. Let’s meet Martin Jarc, Transformation Alchimist of the company who will be in charge of creating Hackathons for the EU DigiTOUR Project.
June 20, 2023
The tourism industry has always been at the forefront of embracing technological advancements to enhance the travel experience. We will dive into the top tech trends shaping the future of the tourism industry in 2023.
June 5, 2023
EU Green Week creates a space for meaningful discussions and debates surrounding EU environment policy. It invites participants to delve into the intricacies of environmental challenges, explore innovative solutions, and share knowledge and experiences. This opportunity is not just about understanding the policies, but also about celebrating the progress made in safeguarding our planet and fostering sustainable practices. On this occasion, X23 Innovation Bakery is hosting a Partner Event on the 7th of June focused on Tourism , a remarkable moment for tourism professionals to enhance their skills and expertise in the areas of green, blue, and digital practices. With the ever-increasing demand for innovative and sustainable travel experiences, staying informed about the latest trends and embracing new skill sets has become crucial for businesses aiming to thrive in the tourism industry. EU DigiTOUR project will take center stage and be actively involved in the event, particularly during the contribution of Associazione Startup Turismo, Project Communication Manager , that will delve into the interconnectedness of sustainability and digitalization in the tourism sector. It aims to equip future generations with the necessary skills and foster innovation within the industry. The event will feature a series of keynote speeches, interactive sessions, and discussions led by experts in the field. Here is a breakdown of the agenda for the day: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/eu-green-week-tourism-skills-for-digital-and-green-transition-tickets-638731271427 Why Upskilling matters? In today's rapidly evolving world, tourists are seeking unique and eco-conscious ways to explore the world. The traditional approach to tourism is no longer sufficient; travelers now desire memorable experiences that align with their values of environmental responsibility and conservation. To meet these changing demands, tourism professionals must equip themselves with the necessary tools and knowledge. Green Skills The concept of green skills encompasses a wide range of environmentally friendly practices that promote sustainability in the tourism sector. These skills include understanding and implementing renewable energy solutions, waste management, biodiversity preservation, sustainable transportation, and eco-friendly accommodation options. By acquiring green skills, tourism professionals can ensure that their offerings have a minimal ecological footprint while also attracting environmentally conscious travelers. Blue Skills Blue skills, on the other hand, are centered around the sustainable use and preservation of marine and coastal resources. With a significant portion of tourism activities taking place in coastal areas, it is crucial for professionals to be knowledgeable about marine conservation, responsible fishing practices, and the protection of fragile ecosystems. Embracing blue skills enables tourism operators to create experiences that showcase the beauty of the ocean while safeguarding its long-term health. Digital Skills The digital revolution has had a profound impact on the tourism industry. From online bookings to virtual tours, digitalization has transformed the way travelers plan, book, and experience their trips. By acquiring digital skills, tourism professionals can harness the power of technology to enhance customer experiences, optimize marketing strategies, and streamline operations. Digital skills include proficiency in social media management, data analytics, online marketing, and the use of emerging technologies such as augmented reality and virtual reality. EU Green Week - unlocking opportunities The EU Green Week is an unparalleled opportunity for tourism professionals to delve into these critical areas of green, blue, and digital skills. The event will bring together experts from the tourism sector who will share their insights and experiences, providing valuable guidance on how to incorporate sustainable practices into business operations. Attendees will gain access to the latest industry trends, innovative strategies, and success stories that highlight the benefits of embracing green, blue, and digital skills. By participating, tourism professionals can network with like-minded individuals, exchange ideas, and collaborate on initiatives that drive sustainability and resilience in the industry. This event serves as a catalyst for innovation, encouraging participants to develop outstanding and disruptive offerings that meet the evolving demands of the market. Limited spots are available , so don't miss out on this chance to participate in the EU Green Week Partner Event ! Register now using the link provided and embark on a transformative journey towards a sustainable and successful future in the tourism industry.
Digital Insight: Artificial Intelligence, ChatGPT and its ethical issues
April 6, 2023
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is exerting an ever-expanding influence on our lives. What is it, what are the main applications and the related ethical issues.
Get to know our team! Interview 2# Associazione Startup Turismo
March 8, 2023
Interview with Flavio Tagliabue, co-founder of Associazione Startup Turismo
More Posts
Share by: