DATA CALL

Access to open data – structured, open, productive

Open data only unfolds its value when it is reliably accessible, clearly structured and usable for the respective application. There are three ways to access tourism open data from the Knowledge Graph:

All access points access the same database, but differ in terms of technology, depth of use and application logic.

This page will help you to find the right entry point – regardless of whether you want to integrate
data directly, use it for AI applications or obtain it in a structured way for projects.

API – Direct access to structured open data

The API is the most technically flexible access to open data. It is aimed at developers, agencies and platform operators who want to integrate data into their own systems in an automated, up-to-date and needs-based manner.

What the API makes possible

  • Access to machine-readable, structured data
  • Flexible queries according to defined criteria
  • Regularly updated content
  • Use as a database for websites, apps, analyses and AI applications

When it makes sense to use data via API

  • If data is to be updated continuously
  • When content is integrated directly into your own products
  • When maximum flexibility and automation are required

What you need for this

  • Registration
  • API key
  • Basic technical knowledge in dealing with interfaces

MCP Server – Open data for AI and agent systems

The MCP (Model Context Protocol) server is a specialized access point for using open data in AI-supported applications in a controlled and traceable manner. In contrast to the classic API, this is not about individual queries, but about the context-related provision of data for AI models and agent systems. The MCP server ensures that large language models and agent systems receive contextually appropriate, structured and comprehensible data from the knowledge graph.

What MCP does

  • Structured access to open data for AI systems
  • Clear separation between data source and AI model
  • Traceable, controllable data usage
  • Foundation for trustworthy, data-based AI applications

Typical application scenarios

  • AI assistants with up-to-date tourism knowledge
  • Automated travel inspiration or planning
  • Combination of open data with generative AI

Then MCP makes sense

  • If open data is to be used specifically as a knowledge context for AI
  • When transparency and control of data sources are important

Service portal – Curated open data packages for projects

The service portal is aimed at organizations and project partners who want to use open data in a bundled and clearly defined package. Instead of individual technical queries, the focus here is on coordinated data offerings and a structured access process.

What the service portal offers

  • Registration and administration of users and organizations
  • Clear access to available open data packages
  • Structured request and approval process
  • Clear framework conditions for project-related use

Typical application scenarios

  • For organizations, DMOs and partner projects
  • For pilot projects or clearly defined use cases
  • When data packets are preferred over individual queries

The advantages of a data package from the service portal

  • Targeted and defined data in a standardized structure
  • Defined requirements can be called up repeatedly

Flexible use of open data – today and tomorrow

All access paths are based on the same knowledge graph and can be combined. This means that open data can be used sensibly depending on the project phase, level of technical maturity and objective – from the initial idea to the scalable application.

Overview: A comparison of access routes

Demand Recommended access
Direct technical integration API
AI and agent systems MCP Server
Project-related data usage Service portal
Quick access without in-depth technology Service portal
Maximum flexibility & automation API

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