ROME: Italy is using smartphone tech to guide tourists along five historic pilgrimage and trade routes in the Lazio region around Rome, introducing them to lesser-known corners of the country.
A total of 60 stations fitted with Bluetooth modules have been installed along the stages of the Via Francigena, the Way of St Francis, the Way of St Benedict, the Via Romea Germanica and the Romea Strata in the region.
When walkers pass by, the modules send messages to their smartphones about the route itself and points of interest, churches and squares in the surrounding area – provided they have installed the free, state tourism app Italia.it. Free Wi-Fi is also available at the stations.
The goal, according to the national tourism board ENIT, is to promote sustainable, slow tourism as visitors pass through the region's picturesque landscapes, villages and religious and natural heritage.
The developers of the project also hope they can help visitors to discover lesser-known attractions. At least 40% of the sites highlighted are outstanding places that rarely feature in international travel itineraries, according to the project's website.
For those who prefer an analogue approach, the Italia.it website also offers an interactive map on which many of the locations along the five routes can be explored without the app. – dpa
