Tourism with augmented reality: new travel experiences
The tourism sector is one of the most important sectors of the world economy. During the pandemic it was one of those that suffered the most impact but, today, it is once again recovering its growth and development.
Like any sector, tourism has been evolving in recent years thanks to software development services . From the way of searching and preparing a trip, to the organization of accommodation, activities and transportation.
New technologies every day offer tourists a much more satisfactory and advantageous experience. It is precisely in this sense where augmented reality begins to gain prominence in the tourism sector , taking this experience to another level.
Augmented reality experiences in the tourism industry have been favored, above all, by the digital transformation of the sector and, in general, of society. Smartphones, massive and easy access to the internet and geolocation are the main factors that have driven AR in travel. We cannot also forget the changes in mentality and behavior, as well as the new trends in user consumption habits.
In short, trips with augmented reality are enhancing the travelers' experience , making it more real and immersive . This is giving rise to a new, much improved way of traveling and sightseeing.
Digital tourism or smart tourism
To understand this concept we have to first understand what a “ smart city ” is . This refers to that city that relies on information and communication technologies (the famous ICT) when creating and building infrastructures for its citizens. That is, a smart city is a city that combines people, custom software development services and creativity to turn it into a more sustainable, efficient and valuable place.
In relation to this concept, we can talk about smart tourism or digital tourism . A smart tourist destination is an innovative place that, thanks to a custom software development company, offers its visitors a more immersive and interactive experience that improves the quality of their stay .
This is precisely the objective of augmented reality applied to tourism ; make efficient management of resources and build a place that meets the needs of travelers and tourists as well as improve and enhance the quality of life of residents.
In short, there are multiple opportunities and benefits that technology and, specifically, AR, bring to a city and the tourism sector. In fact, every day there are more “smart” cities that offer digital tourism or smart tourism .
Augmented reality experiences in travel
This concept of digital or smart tourism has emerged, as we have been saying, as a consequence of changes in the mentality and needs of tourists linked to technological advances.
The tourist profile that we knew, with its guide and its paper map, has migrated to an interconnected and totally digital tourist . A traveler profile that has all the knowledge and devices necessary to enjoy a 360 experience during your trip and get the most out of it.
This profile is precisely ideal for augmented reality. A technological and digital tourist who no longer only wants to visit the destination, but also wants to make the most of their trip and obtain a totally immersive and interactive experience .
In this scenario, AR offers countless possibilities and activities ; from information about the place, its monuments and buildings, to gastronomic and cultural routes, museums, schedules or transportation information, among other options.
With just a smartphone and, thanks to webAR , the traveler can view all kinds of virtual elements on real images, moving to a mixed reality . Furthermore, you can interact with them and with the environment that surrounds you, going from being a mere visitor to integrating into the place itself .
In short, augmented reality applied to tourism allows you to visit any place and access all types of information, offering the most complete and satisfactory experience for any tourist .
Uses and examples of augmented reality in tourism
As we have mentioned, tourism and augmented reality are the perfect couple to offer the best and most complete experiences. But what applications and what uses does it have for this to be so? Let's see some examples.
AR Tour
When we take a trip we always try to organize activities in which we can get to know our destination as much as possible as well as enjoy it. A highly sought-after option is usually organized tours because they offer information about the most important points.
In this sense, guided tours are a one-way activity in which a guide tells tourists information while they simply contemplate the surroundings. But, as we have been commenting, today's traveler demands more interactive experiences that give them more prominence .
Precisely for this reason, many tourist places offer travelers the option of taking an AR tour so that they can take a more in-depth and experiential tour. It is a bidirectional activity, since the user interacts with the environment and its elements, and also real and immersive .
An AR tour, therefore, can offer different options. From taking the user to a totally real setting and recreating historical or past events, to interacting with different elements, providing information and even playing games while getting to know the environment. For example, a treasure hunt so that the traveler has fun while discovering the place.
Digital guide or AR tour guide
Another option that we usually consider when traveling is to look for a guide to our destination that provides us with maximum information to be able to move easily, know where to go at all times and even where to eat and stay.
But this can be even much easier with a digital guide or an “ AR tour guide ” . Thanks to this experience, a tourist can walk down the street and obtain information about the environment instantly with just their smartphone .
The webAR allows, among other options, to locate the most interesting points and access updated information on transportation, restaurants, museums and any cultural activity. In addition, some digital tourism experiences even offer the possibility of translating the information that the user sees, so that they can understand it in their own language.
Museums with augmented reality
Just as in AR tours or digital guides, when visiting a museum and, thanks to augmented reality experiences, the visit can be more dynamic and, above all, more real and complete.
There are more and more museums with augmented reality that allow tourists to enjoy a guided and interactive tour at any time without having to reserve a specific time and without having to depend on a guide or a group.
Likewise, augmented reality offers the possibility of accessing more complete and entertaining information about each piece in the museum, as well as recreating the history of each one of them .