Guiding Real-Life Experiences
Enriching reality with immersive media insights using Extended Reality (XR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to empower rural communities through community-driven XR content.
The Challenge in Rural Areas
Many regions rich in cultural heritage face significant hurdles that limit tourism, community involvement, and local opportunities.
Access Difficulties
Cultural sites in many rural areas struggle to remain open and accessible. Chronic staff shortages make it hard to keep museums and historical buildings operating, while minimal or deteriorating infrastructure further discourages attendance.
Insufficient Essential Services
Basic visitor amenities—such as restrooms, seating, shelter, and refreshments—are often missing or in disrepair in village centers. Without these fundamental comforts, tourists are less inclined to stay and explore.
Low Visibility & Weak Regional Identity
These communities frequently lack strong branding or promotional efforts. As a result, the area remains "off the map" for most travelers, leading to under-utilization of rich cultural and natural assets.
Poor Dissemination of Local Information
Even when interesting sites exist, details about their history, significance, and practical visiting tips are hard to find. Limited distribution channels and fragmented information hinder awareness of what the territory has to offer.
XRTourGuide Platform
An online platform empowering communities to create and share immersive XR virtual tours, enhancing real-world exploration.
Authoring Platform
A web-based tool allowing users (citizens, organizations) to easily create XR tours with text, images, audio, and video.
Mobile Application
A multi-platform app for users to discover and experience tours. Point your phone at objects to unlock rich media insights.
Community Co-Creation
Developed in collaboration with rural communities through the Active Rural Community Working Group (ARCO-WG).
Cutting-Edge Technology
Leveraging advanced technology for engaging and immersive cultural experiences.
Extended Reality (XR)
Augmenting real-world views with interactive digital content, blending physical and virtual experiences seamlessly.
AI-Powered Recognition
Visual Tagging module identifies objects (art, buildings, nature) to trigger relevant content automatically.
Multimodal Content
Supports text, audio, video, and images, engaging insights that bring heritage to life.
Cloud-Native Platform
Scalable and accessible web-based authoring tool that works from anywhere, ensuring maximum reach and flexibility.
Gamification Elements
Encouraging user engagement and social sharing within the mobile app through interactive challenges and rewards.
Multi-Language Support
Making tours accessible to a wider, international audience with comprehensive language localization.
XRTourGuide in Action
Demonstrating the versatility of XRTourGuide in the pilot region (Bussento, Lambro, Mingardo).
Nilus Trail
Highlighting the historical route of Saint Nilus, increasing awareness of art, nature, and faith landmarks in the Byzantine Cilento (UNESCO site).
Morigerati Heritage
Showcasing the Ethnographic Museum's collection, emphasizing local traditions and targeting diverse audiences.
MushroomMate
Identifying local mushroom species and sharing traditional recipes, promoting food culture and knowledge transfer.
Creating Value
Generating social and economic value by leveraging local knowledge and assets.
Boost Tourism
Increase visitor flow year-round by offering new, engaging tours.
Engage Community
Raise cultural awareness and encourage citizen participation.
Stimulate Economy
Generate local job opportunities in content creation and tourism.
Promote Sustainability
Support sustainable tourism and preserve cultural heritage.
Join the XRTourGuide Community
XRTourGuide is currently under development within the FUTURAL project. Follow our progress and discover how XR can transform rural tourism.