During Google I/O 2023, a collaboration was revealed between the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Google. This partnership led to the development of “Merli’s Immersive Adventure,” an augmented reality (AR) guided tour showcasing Singapore’s landmarks and hidden treasures. The AR tour, powered by Google’s ARCore and Geospatial Creator, is accessible through the Visit Singapore Travel Guide app.
STB has expanded its reach to include more landmarks across the city, offering interactive AR experiences to kick off the 2024 travel season. AR technology facilitates the discovery of new sights for travelers while providing a deeper understanding of Singapore through immersive storytelling. The use of AR and similar technologies has gained popularity in the travel industry. Simon Ang, the STB Director for The Collaboratory, stated, “STB actively seeks potential tourism applications in emerging technologies like Extended Reality (XR). We are always open to trialing new technologies to create unique experiences for visitors, and are thrilled to collaborate with Google to lead this initiative.”
In this recent launch, Merli, Singapore’s tourism mascot, leads travelers through six stops in the Civic District and Chinatown, two popular tourism precincts in Singapore. Both tourists and residents can explore and learn more about the historical, cultural, and culinary experiences offered in these areas. For example, visitors can explore Singapore’s first post office, now part of the Fullerton Hotel, and even send a virtual postcard to their loved ones. At the Great Emporium, they can witness a life-sized bumboat brought to life in AR and learn about the significance of the Singapore River for the city and its people. Merli also unveils hidden gems such as the Peranakan Tile Gallery, a local Chinatown establishment that sells tiles salvaged from demolished shophouses. Additionally, at Maxwell Food Centre, the interactive AR map provides recommendations for must-try hawker dishes, assisting first-time visitors in navigating the wide range of food options visually.
