In this blog, we explore different ways of providing information to visitors, with a particular focus on classic info desks and info boards, digital info desks and info boards, audio guides on various devices, tourist guides, and third-party audio guides.

Classic info desks and info boards

• Static: Materials are static and difficult to update or change. Information may become outdated or incomplete, especially if changes or updates occur.
• Need for physical interaction: Visitors must physically access info desks and information boards. This can be inconvenient or impractical, especially when there are a large number of visitors.
• Maintenance and cost: Requires regular maintenance to ensure legibility of materials and replace worn out, damaged materials. In addition, there is a cost in the printing, distribution and maintenance of the info desks and panels themselves.
• Creation time: the info desk/panel itself is often time-consuming
• Environmental impact: Using a large amount of paper for printing brochures, flyers and posters can have a negative environmental impact.

Digital info desks and info panels

• Potential technical issues: Like other devices, they are subject to technical difficulties such as malfunctions, poor internet access and power issues. This may lead to interruptions in the provision of information to visitors.
• Cost and maintenance: They require high financial resources for equipment acquisition, content development and system maintenance. It is necessary to update the content regularly to ensure the relevance of the information. They also depend on the power supply. After a certain time, the equipment wore out.
• Distraction: The interactivity of digital guides on info boards can lead to a loss of the visitor's attention. Visitors often pay more attention to the device itself than to the exhibition and the space where they are. Also, the information is not transferable in this way, and visitors need to be educated about its use.

Audio guides on various devices

• Limitation to audio only: They focus only on audio tracks and do not provide visual information. This can be limiting for visitors who prefer a visual component (such as image/text) or have special needs, such as the hearing impaired.
• Technical requirements: They require technical infrastructure such as headphones and a prepared device. Visitors must be familiar with the use of these devices.
  Sharing of devices: If audio guides are shared among visitors, there may be an insufficient number of devices. The quality also decreases due to wear or damage to the equipment, and the equipment wears out over time.
• Sometimes they are inadequate for hygienic reasons.
• Dependence on power supply: They require power supply in a certain way - most often batteries. Visitors must make sure that the audio guide's device has enough battery to be able to use it throughout the visit.
• Limited range of knowledge: Although tour guides are mostly experts in their work, their knowledge can be limited. There may be a lack of detailed information about lesser-known or recently discovered places.
• Different interests: Every visitor has unique preferences. While some people like historical sights, others prefer nature, art, etc. Tourist guides usually provide a wide range of information and do not meet the expectations of all visitors.
• Individual exploration: Many visitors enjoy discovering destinations on their own. They like freedom, and tour guides, although helpful, often limit this. Guides must follow the schedule and time frames of the tour to fit into the itinerary.
• Cost: Using the services of a quality tour guide is expensive. Maintaining a team of tour guides for a facility or attraction includes paying salaries and benefits, training, managing schedules, and providing materials.
• Language dependence: If traveling to a country that uses a language unknown to the visitor, it can be a challenge in communication and understanding with the tour guide.

Audio guides created by third parties

• Lack of local knowledge: Since third-party audio guides are not produced by tour operators, inaccurate or incomplete information may appear.
• Out-of-date information: A similar reason is that guides like this often provide outdated or inaccurate information. They are not aware of local changes or events at the right time.
• Financial impact on local guides: When visitors use third-party audio guides, local tourism providers directly associated with the attraction lose potential revenue. This can have a negative financial impact on the local economy.
• Payment: Your visitors have to pay for them additionally.

Audio GUIDE as the best solution for informing visitors

Utilize the best technology you know won't become obsolete.

• Content available in multiple languages: Audio GUIDE for YOU allows visitors to access content in the language of their choice. In this way, all language barriers and hindrances were overcome.

• Full control of the content: The owners of the tourist object/attraction/place have full control over the content of the Audio GUIDE. I can only provide accurate and timely information.

• Multiple display of content: In addition to audio content, Audio GUIDE enables the display of textual and image information. In this way, visitors can simultaneously listen to information and follow it visually.

• No equipment costs: Since with Audio GUIDE visitors use their own mobile devices, there is no need for equipment to be rented or purchased. This greatly reduces costs.

• No cost of hiring staff-guides: Using Audio GUIDE completely eliminates the need to hire tour guides. Visitors can explore the destination themselves and adjust the content to their preferences.

• Tailoring content to visitor interests: Audio GUIDE allows visitors to tailor content to what interests them personally and at a time that suits them.

• No lines, crowds and waiting: Since visitors use their own devices, there is no need to stand in lines or wait to rent guide equipment. This saves visitors time and improves the overall experience.

• Earnings: Tourist service providers with Audio GUIDE do not lose potential revenue and can generate earnings through the sale of content access. Likewise, visitors will not use inadequate third-party guides.

• Easy creation and changes: Audio GUIDE has a simple platform for creating and updating content. Travel service providers can quickly and easily format/add information so that it is always relevant to visitors.

• Access: Audio GUIDE can be used online and, if necessary, offline, for example in forests, caves and the like.

Most importantly, Audio GUIDE creates an overall better visitors experience. It provides independence, personalization, ease of access, and high-quality information. Visitors are inspired to share experiences through higher reviews and ratings, thus contributing significantly to reputation.

For which of the listed problems you have encountered, do you think Audio GUIDE would be the best solution?

P.S. We also offer you a free short presentation at a time that suits you, so that you can ask what else you are interested in!