Over the centuries, the tourism industry has changed dramatically. What were once exclusive “Grand Tours” for the aristocracy have become mass tourism, made possible largely through developments in transportation and technology. Today, we stand at the dawn of a new era with a digital innovation called smart tourism. Smart tourism uses the latest technology like AI, IoT, and AR/VR to improve travel, personalizing it and making it more efficient and a whole lot of fun as well. In this article, we look at how smart tourism is changing the travel experience.
Technologies Driving Smart Tourism
In this new world of smart tourism, a range of technologies is transforming the way people interact with their vacation destinations so that travel becomes more interactive, convenient and even, in some cases, uniquely individual. For example, services like mobile phone maps and internet hotel bookings can be accessed directly from one’s cell phone. We already see this trend emerging on the mainstream media landscape, with apps like Google Maps for navigation, Booking.com for accommodation, and TripAdvisor for individualized travel suggestions becoming standard accessories in every traveler’s suitcase.
While we often think of tourism as a nonstop journey with some exciting event on our agenda every hour of the day, that’s usually not the case. You will likely find yourself with downtime while traveling; for many people, that’s the perfect time to relax with their favorite games. Online casinos have become more popular in recent years, offering a variety of games for different tastes. These platforms are available 24/7, making them accessible even whilst on the move. Those who enjoy card games like poker might play a round of Omaha poker in an online casino during their downtime. The same goes for other types of online games. For example, others might prefer catching up with friends while playing a multiplayer game like Fortnite.
AI further improves the travel experience with custom recommendations based on your individual preferences, instantly answering your questions through a chatbot interface or crunching big data with predictive analytics to anticipate major tourist flows and then adjusting crowd-control measures accordingly. For example, metropolises like Tokyo have begun to use AI systems to analyze the movements of tourists, predicting where the crowds will be, and this information comes in handy for city planners and visitors, who can plan their visits around the busiest times.
As if that weren’t enough, there are also VR and AR experiences that enable tourists to ‘preview’ destinations before they actually visit them. For example, potential visitors are now able to take a VR tour of the Louvre or Rome’s Colosseum from home, which lets them get a preview of whatever sights they are thinking about visiting. AR makes visits to historical sites more informative and fun, adding historical data and interactive re-creations of the past.
Then, there are smart hotels fitted with IoT devices that automatically provide guests with a personalized room setting that can be adjusted based on their preferences, and luggage is equipped with IoT tags that offer peace of mind when traveling. These IoT applications enhance the guest experience and streamline business operations, showing that smart tourism technologies are mutually beneficial.
Benefits of Smart Tourism
Technology plays a critical role in ensuring the sustainability of the travel sector. Using smart solutions like IoT and data analytics can help destinations manage resources more effectively, reduce environmental impacts, and steer tourist flows away from overcrowded sites. For example, local authorities might use predictive analytics to forecast peak periods and distribute tourist traffic accordingly, helping natural landscapes and cultural heritage sites. At the same time, digital ticketing and VR tours are able to reduce crowding at popular attractions, further aiding conservation efforts.
Incorporating technology into the travel experience isn’t just a tool for sustainability efforts; it also helps travelers at an individual level, making their explorations more personal and convenient. Through mobile apps and AI, today’s travelers can plan their journeys, receive personalized recommendations, and check in online before going on a tour. The use of these technologies enhances tourism development and brings economic benefits. They help local economies reach a wider audience, leading to repeat visits and greater tourist satisfaction. The use of technology has significantly improved the tourist experience, and as a result, it’s helping local industries thrive.