A Service Model using Bluetooth Low Energy Beacons

A large amount of information is not always appealing to tourists. While the provision of information may lessen the anxiety experienced by tourists, the promise of the unexpected is one of the things that make travel attractive. We developed a new application using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons that not only provides a guide to a specific location but also summarizes the traditional customs and history of the area. A trial at the Nikko world heritage site in Japan demonstrated the effectiveness of the BLE beacon for sightseeing on foot. The application made tourists notice new points on the route. Owners of shops en route to the main shrine cooperated by providing information regarding their goods and information on local traditions. Our system enhanced the tourist experience of a traditional cultural city, especially for foreign visitors and young Japanese. KeywordsLocation-Based Service; BLE Beacon; Smartphone Application; World Heritage; Zeigarnik effect.