Torrevieja consolidates its alliance with the University of Alicante to promote knowledge, research and innovation through the university headquarters and the Smart Tourism laboratory

This morning, the Torrevieja City Council approved in its Local Governing Board meeting the collaboration agreement with the University of Alicante to guarantee the operation and financing of the Torrevieja University Center and the University Laboratory of Smart Tourism (TI·LAB), thus strengthening a strategic alliance that places the city in a prominent position within the Network of University Centers of the Vega Baja.

This agreement, which will last for four years, represents a decisive step in the municipal commitment to knowledge, innovation and the generation of opportunities, strengthening a city model that looks to the future through education, research and institutional collaboration.

The agreement establishes a municipal contribution of €162,000 for the 2026 fiscal year, earmarked for the development of activities at the university campus, the operation of the Smart Tourism Laboratory, academic direction, and the coordination of TI·LAB itself. Furthermore, it anticipates annual funding of €150,000 during the 2027, 2028, and 2029 fiscal years, which will ensure the project's stability and allow for the medium-term planning of new training, scientific, and innovation initiatives.

As a new feature, the agreement includes a specific line of 30,000 euros for the study of the microbial biodiversity of the La Mata and Torrevieja Lagoon, a research of high scientific value that will expand the strategic scope of the agreement and contribute to the knowledge and protection of the municipality's natural heritage.

A STABLE UNIVERSITY PROGRAMMING

The Torrevieja University Campus will continue to be a dynamic and accessible space for citizens, focused on holding conferences, seminars, training courses, cultural activities and research projects, with a stable and high-quality program that responds to the real needs of the municipality and its social, educational and professional environment.

Thanks to this agreement, the continuity of academic and outreach initiatives that promote lifelong learning and citizen participation is guaranteed, contributing to the strengthening of the local cultural and educational fabric.

Furthermore, the headquarters will continue to play a fundamental role as a meeting point between the university, public administration, the business sector and civil society, fostering the creation of synergies and the exchange of knowledge in strategic areas for the development of the territory.

THE UNIVERSITY LABORATORY FOR SMART TOURISM (TI·LAB), AN ENGINE OF INNOVATION FOR THE CITY'S TOURISM MODEL

One of the key aspects of the agreement is the continuation and consolidation of the University Laboratory for Smart Tourism (TI·LAB), an innovation hub attached to the university campus where university institutes specializing in tourism research and computer science collaborate. This laboratory will continue to promote research and development projects, specialized training, and knowledge transfer in a sector essential to the present and future of Torrevieja: tourism.

The TI·LAB will contribute to advancing towards a more sustainable, intelligent, competitive and innovative tourism model, based on the use of technology, data analysis and strategic planning, strengthening the city's capacity to adapt to the new challenges of the tourism sector and improve the quality of services offered to residents and visitors.