T.I. is a Robot Double 2, a moving, digitally connected device through which visitors can talk to a tourist guide live via a screen.
During the summer, Uppsala Tourist Information has welcomed visitors in new ways. This is one of the changes that are now being made to meet the changes in the ways in which travellers search for information. The tourist office has used mobile units to staff places that receive many visitors, collaboration with the city’s visitor hosts and InfoPoints has been strengthened and there have also been tests of new technology in the form of a moving tourist information robot called T.I.
T.I. is a Robot Double 2, a moving, digitally connected device through which visitors can talk to a tourist guide live via a screen. During the summer, the robot has been tested daily at the Elite Hotel Academia in central Uppsala and has been highly appreciated by hotel guests. The tourist guide who controls the robot is in a different location but meets the visitors where they are and provides personalised service and information in real time. Via the robot, guests at the hotel can easily ask questions about Uppsala from the breakfast room, lobby or while waiting to check-in. This solution does not seem to have been tested for this specific use until now and is a way to arouse curiosity about tourist information among a new target group.
"Our robot T.I. is a new way of welcoming visitors where they don't expect it. Much of the tourist information of the future is about inspiring and making it easy to obtain information in different channels and at different times. We believe that innovative solutions that incorporate new technology can complement the more classic tourist information channels. With the robot, we awaken curiosity among a new target group that might not be tempted to go and find a fixed tourist office or browse a classic brochure,” says Helena Bovin, Head of Marketing at Destination Uppsala.
During 2017, Destination Uppsala worked with a consultancy firm and stakeholders in the local hospitality industry to develop a new concept for Uppsala Tourist Information, with suggestions on how to welcome the city's visitors in the future. The project resulted in a multi-year plan with a number of action points, a number of which have begun this summer. The new way of welcoming visitors focuses on making it easier for visitors to find information and inspiration before and during their visit, using their own preferred channel. Destination Uppsala is quick to point out that the measures introduced this summer do not constitute "the new tourist information"; they are only part of a larger whole and the work is continuing. More action points will be gradually introduced during 2018 and 2019.
“Collaboration with those who welcome Uppsala's visitors is a priority action point throughout the implementation phase,” continues Helena Bovin. "We wish to work more closely with everyone who welcomes the city's tourists, with hospitality and local ambassadors. An extended hospitality in the city, with more points of contact and personal meetings provides a good basis for getting visitors to stay longer, experience more and come back more often."
Other examples of action points from the project that Destination Uppsala will be working on during autumn 2018 and into 2019 are the development of new digital and analogue information solutions.
"We wish to develop our channels and digital tourist information in new and innovative ways. Our robot T.I. is an example of this: daring to test a new application for a product that is already being used successfully in other industries. Among other things, we are looking at what other industries do and what technology could be relevant in the future, and we will be looking for possible partners in the autumn," Helena Bovin concludes.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
