The historic birthplace of Shakespeare is embracing the latest Wi-Fi technology to help tourists find their way around the famous landmarks. Conventional guidebooks, by their nature, have often been superseded the minute they come off the press, but obsolete recommendations and out-of-date opening hours will now be a thing of the past. For £8 a day, visitors can hire a handheld electronic organiser, providing an interactive map which automatically points out the nearest literary must-sees as they wander round the town. The online virtual tour guide provides tourist information and special offers from local businesses through a personal digital assistant (PDA).
Through the implementation of the UK’s first wireless broadband project for tourists, visitors will have the chance to enjoy a new 21st century experience of the 16th century genius. The Stratford Unplugged initiative is the result of a collaboration between Coventry University, Staffordshire University, BT, Hewlett Packard and the Stratford Town Management Partnership. To enable the scheme, BT has installed a selection of Wi-Fi hotspots in businesses across the town (e.g. hotels, shops and tourist attractions), providing coverage through its BT Openzone service. PDAs are then hired from the tourist information office, giving internet access throughout the day.
More information:
http://www.coventry.ac.uk/researchnet/external/content/1/c4/21/39/v1192721047/user/Innovate_summer07.pdf
More information:
http://www.coventry.ac.uk/researchnet/external/content/1/c4/21/39/v1192721047/user/Innovate_summer07.pdf