Augmented Reality gives the possibility to enhance search experiences by providing engaging and interactive information. With innovative mobile apps, these augmented experiences can be extended to travelers, easing their travel search and building up trust. According to the experts’ opinion embracing the power of Augmented Reality can boost the travel and tourism industry.
DLEARN, as primary network at European level in the promotion of digital education and skills, is partner of the innovative European project AUREA4RURAL to help businesses take this opportunity.
The project’s aim is to create an innovative digital Augmented Reality platform for the rural tourism sector along with a training content according to the competences of the staff working in this sector businesses: managers of public Natural Parks, rural hotels and restaurants, companies providing leisure activities, culture or environment departments from rural towns and villages.
DLEARN’s key role in dissemination activities and the definition of the Aurea4Rural expert profile development will help identify a new training curriculum for tourism VET providers.
The project is in the testing phase of the Augmented Reality tool which will then be released with training material, including video tutorials and examples and an e-learning platform. The release phase will be followed by pilot testing in Spain and Estonia where workers, students and end users will be able to test the digital tools and all didactic materials.
AUREA4RURAL project’s steps include:
- The identification of competences and needs of rural tourism’s employees and professionals in the use of digital tools for information and promotion of the sector;
- The creation of a tourism product for the interpretation of a location as selected by the tourist;
- The development on an e-learning platform considering the needs identified and focused on the target group elected;
- The promotion of open access learning contents addressing rural tourism sector in line with individual’s needs and expectations, reducing skills mismatches;
- The integration of AR in learning and training and the improvement of ICT and digital competences in the sector;
- Capacity building in the rural tourism sector through the establishment of a stable and active strategic partnership promoting active cooperation among enterprises, professional organisations and local/regional bodies to support high quality VET with a strong work based learning component.