Using Augmented Reality to Improve Touristic Efficacy

The tourism sector, a major economic contributor, seeks innovative approaches to enhance the user experience. In this evolving landscape of global tourism, using augmented reality (AR) technology can be a way to increase the engagement of tourists, but current AR applications often overwhelm (and bore) the users with excessive information. This study addresses the challenge of designing an AR solution that increases the efficiency of exploring and navigating tourist routes, while minimizing information overload by only offering contextualized information about those itineraries. The AR application delivers personalized details about historical monuments, points of interest (POIs), and cultural landmarks, enriching educational experiences and promoting local tourism. The solution was tested on two historic routes, one in Porto and the other in Chaves (both in Portugal), chosen for their cultural richness. The study’s conclusions, derived from experimentation and statistical analysis, confirm the AR technology’s effectiveness in enhancing the efficiency, immersion, and contextualization of tourist routes.