HKTB, Cathay jointly launch AR mobile apps

May 24, 2011

Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and Cathay Pacific have jointly launched augmented reality (AR) mobile applications.

Published: 24 May 2011

Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and Cathay Pacific have jointly launched augmented reality (AR) mobile applications.

The initiative, DiscoverHongKong Mobile App Series, has taken off with two applications – DiscoverHongKong AR (features over 100 attractions, 5,000 retail outlets and 2,000 dining establishments) and DiscoverHongKong City Walks (leads visitors through four themed walking trails in Hong Kong).

The Android versions will be launched in the third quarter of this year.

Later this year, another app in “DiscoverHongKong Heritage Walk” will also be launched under the same app series.

Currently, the HKTB is collaborating with PCCW to provide Wi-Fi services at over 8,000 hotspots for visitors to access DiscoverHongKong.com and download the travel applications onto their smartphones at no cost.

HKTB chairman James Tien mentioned that in recent years, Wi-Fi technology has advanced progressively, leading to greater functions for smartphones and the popular trend of promotions via the mobile platform. The Board’s visitor survey also showed that more than half of all visitors to Hong Kong bring a smartphone with them during their trip.

“Capitalising on this trend, we have joined hands with Cathay Pacific to devise the DiscoverHongKong Mobile App Series, enabling visitors to find tourist information near their location easily when they are travelling in Hong Kong. These mobile applications also provide a platform for the HKTB to introduce the mega events and activities, as well as retail and dining outlets in the city, maximising the effectiveness of our promotions,” said Tien.

Apps

The DiscoverHongKong AR app combines the AR technology with the global positioning system (GPS) and camera of the smartphone. The application shows points of interest, including major attractions, shops accredited under the HKTB’s Quality Tourism Services Scheme and award-winning restaurants, in visitors’ vicinity. All visitors need to do is use the camera of their phone as a viewer, and the points of interest will appear overlaid on the real-world views on the phone screen. They can also tap each of these points of interest for detailed information (such as introduction and address), and refer to the offline map for transportation routes, making the application a round-the-clock digital travel guide for travellers.

The second app offers in-depth information on each of the attractions along the trails, enriching visitors’ travel experience in Hong Kong. There is also a search function for users to locate shops, restaurants, MTR exits and Wi-Fi hotspots near the trails.