Wendy discusses the pandemic's effects on mass tourism in the context of being a driving force in digitalisation.
Cities have seen depressingly empty streets which have shifted the discussion from the prior problem of tourism hubs trying to lower the density of people in large population areas.
Cities have seen depressingly empty streets which have shifted the discussion from the prior problem of tourism hubs trying to lower the density of people in large population areas.
Wendy discusses the pandemic's effects on mass tourism in the context of being a driving force in digitalisation. Cities have seen depressingly empty streets which have shifted the discussion from the prior problem of tourism hubs trying to lower the density of people in large population areas.
With a changing narrative, we need a different approach. A new way of maintaining the same goal. Secret City Trails aims to innovate by encouraging people to explore the hidden, lesser ventured paths of city life and create an engaging tourist experience through trivia and scavenger hunt-like activities.
You solve location-based riddles, you answer questions about something you see, can't find it online, something you see right there in a hidden place. And then you unlock curious stories, and in some cases, you unlock creative photo challenges. Whatever walk you do, they're playful.
Wendy points out that these walks can help reinvigorate the economy of local businesses by getting them involved, encouraging users to seek out new places and experience the authenticity of their destination.
Walks are designed to benefit the designers and locals just as much as the administrators. For every walk sold, the curators are given a cut – meaning any local can work with Secret City Trails in order to gain back any profits lost during the pandemic.
1. A shift in direction doesn't necessarily mean forgetting about the initial goal. Secret City Trails teaches us that the pandemic can be used as an educational tool, repurposing old goals and getting the same result from before.
2. It's important to work with locals in order to reignite their own love for their city. During this time it has been stressful, and we have the ability to help people be passionate about something.
3. The solution to a problem can be playful, imaginative. We can be less serious and still reach the objectives we've set out for our companies.
Wendy van Leeuwen is the Co-Founder & Product Lead at Secret City Trails. Secret City Trails reinvents how we explore and enjoy cities through playful and sustainable walks.
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