The plan to install Augmented Reality technology in Lisbon’s historic monuments and museums has only one objective: to reduce mass tourism in the city… After all, there’s even a study that says the capital is one of the cities to avoid in 2025, largely because of the number of visitors who “fill” our streets every day.
Through this initiative, which is already gaining interest among many residents and tourism experts, with the installation of Augmented Reality equipment it will be possible to appreciate the contents of a museum or monument in the city without even being there.
An innovative solution
This idea really seems to have legs and will be able to solve this problem of mass tourism in Lisbon, and companies that provide this type of service are already being consulted with a view to opening a public tender.
The solution, when implemented in Lisbon’s main museums and monuments, will be able to reduce the pressure on historic neighborhoods, such as Alfama or Graça, while continuing to promote a real experience for all visitors.
Augmented Reality technology
If you don’t already know what Augmented Reality technology consists of, it allows tourists to explore Lisbon’s monuments and other places of interest in a virtual way, drastically reducing the number of people who need to be – physically – on site.
What’s more, AR can also provide very detailed information about the history of each place visited virtually, encouraging tourists to explore even more areas of the city, especially the lesser-known ones.
According to the entities responsible for this project, the first sites to be visited using this technology will be the Castelo de São Jorge and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos.
Once the Augmented Reality content has been finalized, anyone who wants to visit these facilities and their exhibitions can use mobile devices, such as smartphones or tablets, or virtual reality glasses.
Then all they have to do is download the respective apps to access all the immersive experiences, which simulate a real visit to any of these monuments and museums.
In the future, and if this project is successful, it will be possible to expand this technology to other Lisbon tourist attractions, such as the Belém Tower or the Jerónimos Monastery.
It goes without saying that the inhabitants most affected by mass tourism in Lisbon are reacting very well to this idea, questioning whether this is the solution they so desperately wanted from the authorities or whether, on the other hand, it will negatively affect local businesses, which depend on this huge influx of tourists in our city.