RTLS Solutions in Tourism

A smartphone app for guests and visitors of a tourism facility can be equipped with many useful functions to optimize the visitor experience. In indoor areas, people can be located with the help of the Bluetooth function of their smartphones and Bluetooth Low Energy beacons that are installed throughout the building.

Digital Map and POIs
In an app, a digital map of the premises can be accessed, including outdoor as well as indoor areas and all floors. Important destinations (points of interest) can be searched and viewed in the app. In addition, useful information such as opening hours, contact persons or restaurant menus can be stored for the individual POIs.

Navigation
The points of interest can also be selected as a navigation destination and a turn-by-turn navigation to the selected location can take place. The guest can see their own location on the digital map and follow the directions in the app. Navigation can be carried out seamlessly across indoor and outdoor areas.
Use Case: Indoor Navigation on a Cruise Ship

Additional App Functions
In order to generate even more value for guests and customers, the app can be equipped with additional functions alongside the navigation solution. These include reservation options for restaurants and the booking of trips, spa treatments and more. Location-based services and geo-based marketing measures can also be integrated into the app.
Use Case: Digital Services for Hotel Guests and Staff

Destinations face the challenge of distinguishing themselves from the masses by setting individual focuses. If, for example, a destination app can access a guest's preferences and current location, it is possible to submit relevant offers during the entire customer journey that will make his or her holiday unforgettable. Beacons deployed throughout the destination can locate the app user and trigger location-specific information on attractions and events.

Location-Based Services for Leisure Facilities
When entering a tourist facility, guests can automatically receive a welcome message, information about events and individual offers on their smartphone.
Similarly, museum or zoo apps can provide visitors with geo-based information and interactive content (quizes, games etc.) on nearby exhibits and animals. This content can also be tailored to specific target groups, e.g. for children and people interested in particular topics. An interactive tour and the choice of different routes according to interests are also possible.
Use Case: Indoor Navigation and Interactive Tour in a Museum
Use Case: Mobile Services for Zoo Visitors

Automatic Hotel Check-In
If the system works with beacon technology, the check-in process can be initiated automatically upon arrival and the guest can receive a welcome message and individual offers to book. Other possible features of a hotel app include mobile door opening or the ability to report problems or malfunctions.
Use Case: Digital Services for Hotel Guests and Staff

In order to track the movements of people (in compliance with data protection regulations), either their smartphones can be tracked via their Wi-Fi or Bluetooth function or beacon wristbands can be used. The transmitted signals are received by receiver hardware that is installed in the building and the position is determined in the backend.

Analyses of Movements
With a tracking solution it is possible to track the movement and dwell times of visitors. On this basis, optimization potential can be discovered. On the one hand, this measure leads to a more pleasant stay for the guests, on the other hand, it helps to optimize internal processes and thus to reduce costs.
In addition, this technology can be used to determine estimated waiting times at entrances and attractions. This information can also be shared with guests to achieve a more balanced occupancy and reduced waiting times.
Use Case: Mobile Services for Stadium Visitors
Use Case: Waiting Time Management and Kid Finder in the Amusement Park

Increased Safety Through Tracking Solutions
Tracking solutions can also increase the safety of guests, their children and staff. With a beacon wristband, for example, the location of children on the premises of a hotel can be determined at any time. In this way, parents can see where their children are at the moment on a digital map in an app. Furthermore, safe and unsafe areas can be defined beforehand (geofencing). If a child leaves a safe area, such as the playground, or enters an unsafe zone, such as the pool area, a warning can be automatically sent to the parents and they can intervene promptly.
The evacuation of guests and staff in an emergency also becomes more reliable with the use of tracking solutions, as it can be determined whether a person is still in the building and where they are located.
Use Case: Tracking of Children in a Hotel Complex