BE DIGITAL 2026: Genoa at the center of digital innovation for transport, logistics and tourism

On April 10, the third edition of Be Digital was held aboard the Costa Toscana ship docked at the Stazione Marittima of Genoa, an event promoted by Fancy Factory and Economia Pulita dedicated to digital transformation in the transport, logistics and tourism industries.

Be Digital confirms itself as an important platform for dialogue between companies, institutions and professionals, thanks to networking opportunities and spaces dedicated to the exchange of skills. The goal is to enhance the role of artificial intelligence and digitalization as strategic levers to address the challenges of the mobility of goods and people, especially in an international context marked by geopolitical crises and cost volatility. A symbolic setting for an event that looks to the future of logistics, transport, and tourism, with the aim of making these sectors increasingly efficient, sustainable and interconnected, while also improving the user experience.

Be Digital 2026 was structured into several parallel panels throughout the day. While the Teatro Poltrona Frau Arena hosted institutions and large companies, the Leonardo Stage featured the presentation of 14 local startups selected by a scientific committee from around forty submissions by Genova Startup, which presented their innovative solutions to an audience of companies, institutional stakeholders, and potential investors: an increasingly central role of startups in innovation processes. The data shared during the event provided a picture of rapid evolution: today one in three travelers uses generative artificial intelligence tools to plan itineraries and choose experiences, while over 30% of Italian companies have already launched AI projects applied to logistics. In the coming years, the transport sector will face a crucial challenge, focusing on the integration of mobility and services to rethink routes and strategies also in light of geopolitical changes, with increasing attention to environmental and social sustainability.

Artificial intelligence already offers tangible benefits: demand forecasting, delivery optimization, efficient inventory management, and process automation. The use of semi-autonomous AI agents also enables companies to quickly adapt to market dynamics, reducing time and operational costs. At the same time, the transport sector linked to tourism is growing: in 2025 the market reached 27.5 billion euros (+5%), with over 70% of purchases made through eCommerce channels. Genoa confirms itself as a center of digital innovation applied to the transport, logistics and tourism sectors.