>> Augmented reality can be defined as an interface between "virtual" data and the real world. It combines the real and virtual data and interact in real time thanks to a 3D environment.
>> Virtual reality is a technology for interactive simulation of reality and in real-time. This technique is a way to completely immerse a person in real time, in a sensory univer in 3D.
With A/R, people has and extended perception of the reality, all become transparent while with Virtual reality people are immersed in a unknown world.
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Are guests ready for A/R? Is it a gimmick or a destination strategy?
Guests are more sensitive and perceptive using this king of new technologies. More they are always motivated to discover innovative stuff and be surprised.
By using augmented reality in hotels, the experience of the hotel guests can be improved. More, it could be a good strategy to appear different face to competitor and attract new potential customers.
They can interact easily with guest, surprise them and anticipate their needs.
For exemple, hotel owners can have apps which can provide the guests with the direction to their hotel rooms once they check in with the app. Features can also be added which might be able to provide the guests with available room services which they can find out using their mobile devices in the reception area.
Now, some hotel chains like Marriott or Omni hotels & resorts already use this king of technology to promote their hotels.
* Marriott
They had teamed up with Blippar and published an interactive ad in the Wired magazine. The users of the app could scan the ad and see a video which showcased the innovations of the hotel’s chains.
* Omni hotels & resort
This chain of hotels created an app called Omni Live, which the users could download to see videos showing chefs at work inside the kitchen, virtual tours and customer reviews.
