QR codes in Wales & Gibraltar but not in Bologna.
Another news article about another future initiative shows how some cities/countries are trying their best to increase tourism by displaying information via QR codes when scanned by smart phones.
The BBC article aptly demonstrates how the 21st century tourist is turning to technology to visit the sights in a city rather than lift and haul bulky travel guides around with them.
As we noted in this previous blog post, Bologna has the capacity to attract more tourists by moving towards a digital era but still lacks the will power or enthusiasm. While other cities and countries surge past Italian cities it will be a great loss to the local economies not to act upon this huge opportunity. Bologna has reportedly lost 100,000 visitors already this year due to the number of sights closed down for repairs or general maintenance.
The advantage of QR codes makes it simple to produce, low cost (even very green), and is a modern step for the tourist industry so a win-win for everyone including local shops, bars, hotels etc.
Ancient sights and modern methods to promote them can go hand in hand. And although Italy may not suffer a dramatic downturn in overall visitor numbers in future many small or unknown destinations such as Bologna may actually suffer over the long term.
Local city councils need to look at their European cousins and take heed. Bologna could do much better if just the slightest care was taken to implement technology into tourism.