Augmented Reality (AR) is evolving rapidly to transform the way we work, learn, play and connect. With the power of narrowing spaces between Reality and Virtual Reality, AR enhances physical objects with digital information. Google defines Augmented Reality as – “a technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on a user’s view of the real world, thus providing a composite view”. The term “Augmented” originated from the word “augment” which means to add or enhance something.
How Augmented Reality is Creating an Impact in the Travel Industry
According to a Statista report, the Augmented Reality market is estimated to grow from 5.91 billion USD in 2014 to more than 198 billion USD by 2025. A survey by Opera Mediaworks reveals that around 66% of travelers prefer using smartphones for travel research and booking. Experts predict that embracing the power of AR can prove to become a boon for the travel and tourism industry. AR capacitates the ability to enhance search experiences by providing enticing and interactive information.
How is Augmented Reality Reshaping the Tourism Industry?
A few pioneering mobile apps are creating indelible travel experiences using the technology to enhance our senses and add a layer of digital layer on top of reality.
1. Apple Map – “Flyover” Mode
2. App in the Air – ARvis
3. Wikitude
Why is Augmented Reality the Future of the Travel Industry?
Tourism is all about creating unique experiences, and AR has the potential to support tourism with innovative modes of customer servicing. Here is a list of how augmented reality (AR) is providing long-term values for both customers and the tourism industry as well as its potential impact on the sector.
1. Innovative Advertising and Marketing
Mobile devices play a vital role in booking travel services. Augmented reality holds the potential of enabling tourist companies to narrate their services more creatively. Providing virtual tours of hotel suites and other amenities with a single tap on mobile screens, helps customers make better booking decisions.
2. Enhancing Travel Convenience with AR Apps
Travel brands are extending mobile apps for tourists to enhance their travel experience and convenience. By integrating phone cameras with Google Maps, AR can enhance a traveler’s experience of exploring a new town. With AR, smartphones are turning into tiny encyclopedias. Screening through hotel reviews or locating historic buildings have become seamless and interactive with AR Travel apps.
3. Creating Attractive Destinations
Travel and tourism will be the first industry to revolutionize soon with the advent of augmented reality, according to experts. AR allows users to view the evolution of landmarks in time perspective, enjoy 3D models of places and experience traveling through time. One of the greatest examples would be the L.I.V.E Centre theme park which leverages AR/VR to combine art, culture, architecture, design and retail with projections and surround sound.
