Montalto estate to host digital technology event

10 October 2018

MONTALTO estate’s stunning Carriage Rooms are the venue for a special event next week exploring how the tourism and hospitality sector can enhance visitor experiences using digital technology.

An innovative new collaboration led by Newry, Mourne and Down Council entitled Digital NMD, will be the subject of the free event next Thursday, October 18, between 10am and 1pm.

The collaboration brings together the Southern and South Eastern Regional Colleges who have partnered with the British Computer Society (BCS) NI and Chartered Institute for IT to talk about exploring the use of so-called Augmented Reality.

AR, as it is more commonly known, is a video or three dimensional overlay on a screen that is used to view the real world — most commonly via a smartphone camera — and is increasingly being used to improve tourism experiences.

Council chairman, Mark Murnin, highlighted the relevance of the technology to local businesses and said he was delighted to host next week’s event along with partner organisations.

“Tourism is a key priority for our council and I would encourage businesses in this sector to attend in order to explore the benefits AR can bring,” he said.

“Our stunning landscapes, unique attractions and cultural heritage are a huge draw for visitors to the district and AR can help to develop rich visitor ‘storytelling’ experiences and bring wider exposure to this important international market.”

The Montalto event will be led by Dr Nick Whitelegg, senior computing and web development lecturer at Southampton Solent University and a member of the BCS Animated & Games Development Specialist Group.

Those taking part in the event will also enjoy complimentary access to Montalto estate and its beautiful gardens, trails and walks.

To register for this free event, visit http://www.digitalnmd.org/event/ar/ and with places limited, tickets will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

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