The popularity and demand for Near Field Communication (NFC) stickers are noticeably increasing. These small, unpowered stickers work on a set of protocols enabling two devices within a certain distance (up to 4 cm) to interact. Their versatility, convenience, and compatibility with numerous smartphone devices make them an appealing choice for businesses and consumers. Despite the popularity of Quick Response (QR) codes, NFC tag stickers are emerging as a strong alternative in the tourism sector. One notable application is enhancing the functionality of an audio tour guide system. By tapping their device on an NFC sticker at a point of interest, visitors can receive relevant information, allowing for a more personalized and self-paced tour.
A tourist at a gallery using an NFC tag sticker to know more about the art.
In this blog post, we'll explore the exact and beneficial role of NFC tags in tourism, their comparison with QR codes, how these tags provide an edge over conventional point-of-interest descriptions, and their synergy with SmartGuide digital audio guide technology.
When it comes to elevating the visitors’ exploration, especially around expositions, both NFC tag stickers and QR codes have become tipping points. Both technologies serve similar purposes by encoding information and delivering digital content. However, they differ significantly in terms of operation, benefits, and drawbacks.
NFC stickers are small tags with a microchip and antenna. They use near-field communication technology, programmed to perform specific actions when tapped by an NFC-enabled device. This secure feature prevents duplication, making NFC stickers popular. To use them, enable NFC in your device settings and tap the sticker with your phone.
A visitor using a QR code at a tourist destination
Source: https://www.google.com/imgres
On the other hand, QR codes are 2D barcodes that can be scanned by a smartphone camera to access digital content such as websites or apps. They can direct users to specific sites with map locations, collect feedback, and reviews, and provide updated information about attractions or events. To use QR codes on smartphones, simply open the camera app, point it at the code, and tap the notification to open the associated link.
SmartGuide QR code at Karlovy Vary
A tourist destination giving visitors the flexibility to use NFC stickers or QR codes
Source: https://www.asiarfid.com/
The choice between NFC stickers and QR codes depends on the specific requirements and preferences of the target audience. Both are used in tourism to provide relevant information, but each has its own strengths, limitations, and optimizations for different scenarios. Understanding these factors helps make an informed decision. Customization, branding, and security should also be considered when choosing between NFC tag stickers and QR codes.
Conventional point-of-interest descriptions, while effective, often face limitations. In response to these challenges, NFC tag stickers have emerged as a compelling alternative. These stickers hold several benefits over conventional point-of-interest descriptions, covering aspects such as:
NFC stickers offer a multitude of benefits over conventional point-of-interest descriptions. All these features justify the higher cost of NFC tags. By leveraging these advantages, travel businesses can significantly augment their operations, stand out in competitive markets, deliver more comprehensive information, and bolster their security measures. Therefore, the adoption of NFC technology could be a strategic move in the tourism industry to stay ahead in the digital era.
This is what NFC stickers look like!
Source: https://www.indiamart.com/
NFC (Near Field Communication) stickers are easy to use and can be programmed for specific tasks. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use NFC stickers with SmartGuide's audio guides:
While NFC stickers offer several advantages, tourist attractions, and travel businesses may encounter challenges when implementing them, such as understanding how to program them and where/how to place these tags (since they should be placed in high-traffic areas and points of interest).
SmartGuide provides pre-programmed NFC tags with general content, available for further customization. Furthermore, with its proficiency in travel and technology, SmartGuide identifies the best locations for tag placement, thanks to its big data dashboards and GPS heatmaps, which offer critical data analytics insights.
GPS heatmaps on SmartGuide CMS
SmartGuide, an audio tour guide app platform, enables the addition of NFC stickers to any point of interest (POI) label or object.
NFC tags and NFC stickers are powerful tools for digital communication, enabling seamless data transfer and task execution. They help enhance visitor interactions at tourist sites, especially at expositions where platforms like SmartGuide leverage them to offer interactive content at points of interest. However, their effectiveness depends on the target audience's needs and use scenarios.
While high-traffic areas or travel businesses seeking interactive engagements may find them invaluable, their benefits may be less evident in situations where digital interaction isn't a priority. Therefore, understanding these nuances is crucial for optimizing the use of NFC stickers, allowing for customized programming and strategic placement to maximize their strengths.
Interested in exploring the potential of NFC tag stickers for your tourist attraction or travel business? Contact us today.