What Is Augmented Reality in Tourism?

By Alice Nichols

Imagine standing in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, looking through your smartphone camera and seeing virtual information about the monument pop up on your screen. This is the magic of Augmented Reality (AR) in tourism.

What Is Augmented Reality?

Augmented Reality is a technology that overlays digital information onto the real world. It uses a smartphone’s camera and sensors to identify a user’s location and orientation, and then superimposes relevant information onto the camera view.

AR can be experienced through dedicated apps or integrated into existing tourism apps. It can also be used with special glasses or headsets to create an immersive experience, but most commonly it is experienced through smartphones.

How Does AR Work in Tourism?

In tourism, AR enhances a traveler’s experience by providing additional information about their surroundings. For instance, when visiting a museum, AR can provide information about an exhibit beyond what is displayed on the placard next to it.

AR also provides interactive experiences that bring destinations to life for travelers. For example, visitors to historic sites can use an AR app to see what a location looked like hundreds of years ago or how it has changed over time.

Another use case for AR in tourism is wayfinding. AR-powered maps can show directions overlaid on real-world images instead of just traditional maps.

Benefits of AR in Tourism

  • Better Engagement: With AR, travelers are engaged with their surroundings like never before, making their experiences more memorable.
  • New Revenue Streams: Tourism businesses can monetize their AR experiences by charging for access or offering premium content through subscription models.
  • Elevated Marketing: AR experiences can be shared on social media and used in marketing campaigns to attract new visitors.
  • Improved Accessibility: Wayfinding apps powered by AR can help travelers with disabilities navigate destinations more easily.

Conclusion

The use of Augmented Reality technology in tourism is a game-changer, providing a new level of interactivity and engagement for travelers. From providing interactive experiences to wayfinding, AR has the potential to transform the way we explore the world around us.

Whether you’re a tourist or a tourism business, it’s worth exploring the possibilities that this technology has to offer. With the right application, AR can provide an immersive experience that not only enhances your visit but also creates lasting memories.