More cities join the 'year of smart tourism'

Several cities in China have launched "smart tourism" projects, which feature integrated tourism resources and stronger interactivity between tourists and their destinations via the Internet.

The China National Tourism Administration marked this year "the year of smart tourism".

Jinan, the capital of Shandong province, was listed as one of the nation's first pilot smart cities in 2013. The local government made its smart city program two years before that and had already started to upgrade its management, marketing and tourism services.

Video monitors were installed at key tourist attractions allowing administrators to view live footage from the sites on their smartphones.

The authority developed a smartphone app that provides detailed information about the city's sightseeing areas via social media.

While users browse the information, the server analyzes where they are and what they read. This information helps the authority learn more about tourism trends, particular points of interest and possible busy seasons.

The app has attracted more than 20,000 users so far.

The government of Wuhan, in Hubei province, also started its smart tourism plans in 2012. Its latest plan, made in February, includes a cloud computing database, a website offering public information, a portable tour guide system and a digital information inquiry network.

The government unveiled a card, based on the public transportation card, which gives users discounts at sightseeing areas and a number of hotels, resorts, restaurants, shopping centers and gas stations.

The tourism administration of Chun'an county, in Zhejiang province, developed an app with the help of a Hangzhou-based company. The app is designed for the Qiandao Lake area, the county's biggest tourist attraction.

Users can find travel information on the app and also use it to book tickets and hotel rooms. The app can make recommendations based on the user's schedule, interests and preferences.

When travelers return home they can review their trip on the app and create a travel blog that can be uploaded to social media platforms automatically. This also helps users interact with other travelers.

The system works as a tour guide, providing hospitality, shopping, travel routes and entertainment information. It also offers a navigation system with accuracy within two meters.

The tourism administration of Tianjin developed a similar app with added voice introductions to scenic spots.

In 2012, 800 geographical information inquiry terminals were set up at major hotels, shopping zones, sightseeing areas, office buildings, subway stations and cultural facilities. A further 700 were added last year and the total number is expected to reach 3,500 by the end of this year.

Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu province, also has an information inquiry terminal network. Travelers can find news and tourism-related information, such as ticket prices and contact numbers, from the 42-inch touch-screen displays at each scenic spot in the city.

Countryside areas are also integrated into Nanjing's smart tourism plans. A database collected information about tourism resources in suburban areas, along with hospitality facilities and local culture.

The database is linked to a website, which allows visitors to look up and book restaurants and hotels.

The website, which was set up in 2011, received nearly 6,000 orders by 2012, which led to extra income of nearly 1.8 million yuan ($293,102) for local residents.

The city's tourism administration and law enforcement service are also equipped with smart devices to manage tourism sites and tourists efficiently.