Google and Singapore Tourism Board Launch AR Guided Tour of Singapore’s Landmarks and Hidden Gems
Tech giant Google and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) have teamed up to create an exciting new way for travelers to explore the vibrant city of Singapore. “Merli’s Immersive Adventure” is an augmented reality (AR) guided tour that will take visitors on a journey through Singapore’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems.
The tour, which kicks off the 2024 travel season, will be led by Merli, STB’s lovable tourism mascot. Travelers will be guided through six stops in Singapore’s Civic District and Chinatown, where they can immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of the city through interactive storytelling.
Some of the highlights of the tour include a virtual postcard station at the historic Fullerton Hotel, a life-sized AR bumboat at the Great Emporium stop, and a visit to the Peranakan Tile Gallery in Chinatown. Travelers will also be able to explore Maxwell Food Centre and discover must-try hawker dishes through an interactive AR map.
Powered by Google’s ARCore and Geospatial Creator, “Merli’s Immersive Adventure” is accessible through the “Visit Singapore Travel Guide” app. This partnership marks Google’s first collaboration with a tourism board in its ARCore Early Access Program, allowing developers and brands to create innovative AR experiences.
Simon Ang, the STB director for The Collaboratory, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating that STB is always looking for new ways to enhance the visitor experience through emerging technologies like Extended Reality (XR). This collaboration with Google is just one of many initiatives by STB to attract tourists to Singapore.
In addition to the AR tour, STB has also partnered with digital payment platforms Alipay+ and TNG Digital to promote travel in Singapore among Malaysian visitors. This partnership will offer Malaysian travelers curated deals, cashless payment options, and in-destination promotions to enhance their travel experience in Singapore.
As more promotions and experiences are rolled out in the coming months, travelers can look forward to a seamless and immersive journey through the vibrant city of Singapore. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to explore Singapore like never before with “Merli’s Immersive Adventure.”
