In the digital age, the tourist industry is undergoing a technological transformation. So, let’s take a look at just a few innovations that are bringing smart tourism to the forefront of modern vacationing.
Interactive Exhibits
Interactivity has proven to be a popular element in a range of different media, boosting the immersive nature of the experience. Just take something like online casino games. Games such as Bigger Bass Bonanza use interactive icons like fishermen, rods, and sea creatures to develop comprehensive thematics. The icons and game mechanics come with a range of different sound effects, creating a multisensory experience. This provides players with a high-energy, authentic, and immersive casino experience that riffs off the more laid-back pastime of fishing.
This same logic can be applied to the tourism industry. Not everyone enjoys the laid-back atmosphere of a museum or art gallery. With this in mind, interactive exhibits can help to engage more people with the information. Whether it is touchscreen tablets, tactile displays, or the introduction of changeable lighting, sound, and the engagement of other senses, incorporating interactivity into traditional 2D exhibitions can help tourists really engage with the material.
Live Streaming
In some places, there is a trade-off between increased tourism and the consequential footfall. Whilst more tourists will ultimately boost the economy, this can also have a negative effect on the surrounding environment. Take somewhere like rural Wales, the Lake District, or the Highlands in the UK. These areas are known for their natural beauty and tranquility, which attracts many tourists every year. However, the conservation of these areas is equally important, as without the sweeping hills, there is less of a draw to the area.
With this in mind, places like the Lake District have set up webcams that live-stream the best views in the region. This allows visitors to keep an eye on how busy certain areas are before setting off on their day of exploration. Another use of live-streaming is to provide virtual hikes, which are live-streamed in real-time. This provides tourists with the opportunity to experience the stunning and idyllic views without having to even step foot on British soil, never mind climbing any mountain. Here, the use of live-streaming can provide authentic experiences, whilst also being mindful of the environment that gives it life.
Augmented and Virtual Reality
Put simply, augmented reality (AR) imposes digital elements onto the real world, whereas virtual reality (VR) creates a whole new digital environment. Both AR and VR have proven effective additions to tourism, particularly for historical sites. In the cases of archaeological sites or buildings with hidden rich histories, it is not possible to view them in their former glory with the naked eye. But with AR and VR, the sites can be brought to life once again.
Another use of AR and VR is in hotels, as noted in the International Journal of Hospitality Management. These technologies can be used to help facilitate hotel bookings by giving tourists the ability to explore the rooms and facilities on offer before making their booking. This has been found to increase satisfaction, reduce the risks of purchase, elevate tourist experiences, and promote revisits.
And there you have it – just a few technologies that signal the next generation of travel. Embracing smart tourism can make destinations more engaging, trips more efficient, and improve the consideration of the environmental impact.
