Future-proof digitalisation at the Lippe-Detmold and Hermannsdenkmal tourist information offices
The aim of the project is to convert the tourist information offices in Lippe-Detmold and at the Hermannsdenkmal monument into a digital showroom. Initial conceptual discussions with the partners involved have already taken place. OstWestfalenLippe GmbH has submitted the application as an umbrella project within the framework of the REGIONALE. The umbrella project has achieved A status as part of the REGIONALE qualification process. The implementation of the project is in the interest of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
The tourist information centre in Detmold Town Hall is to be spatially redesigned. There will be a different division between the ‘back office’ and ‘front office’, and the redesign into a digital showroom will give visitors a completely different impression.
No spatial changes are to be made to the tourist information centre at the Hermannsdenkmal. The right-hand side of the shop and the information centre will remain unchanged. The modernisation to create a digital showroom will focus on the left-hand side as seen from the entrance, which is currently already used predominantly as an exhibition area.
The following guidelines will serve as a ‘roadmap’ for the redesign:
A modern and forward-looking tourist information centre must fulfil many more functions than simply providing and passing on information.
A visit to the tourist information centre should inspire, provide added value over and above the information that visitors can find themselves, activate guests and use modern methods of sensory and emotional communication. This goal is primarily achieved through well-told and staged stories (‘storytelling’).
The path to a good story and inspiring design begins with a theme. This should be typical of the region. It can relate to landscape and culture, traditions, local symbols, special buildings, events, famous people, myths and legends, etc. Digital elements are used to support an amazing, inspiring and modern communication methodology. The ‘Future-proof Digitalisation’ project sets out to fulfil these functions in the digital age.
This also involves a conceptual redesign of the workplace situation and its content. More important than ever is the maintenance and provision of digital content and digital services (such as the ability to book accommodation, packages and experiences online). In addition, there will be a strong focus on retail, including advance ticket sales, which now account for a considerable share of day-to-day business, as well as specialised advice that, for example, provides insider tips.
To create an experience-oriented atmosphere, digital tools will be introduced, which will be selected as the project progresses. Possible options include holograms, sound and scent showers, “living” floor or wall projections, or small service robots.
Alongside OstwestfalenLippe GmbH (umbrella project), the City of Paderborn, the Lippe Regional Association, the City of Driburg and the City of Detmold, together with Lippe Tourismus & Marketing GmbH, form the project network. To implement the project, a service agency will be commissioned through a tendering process to support the development process and evaluate technical possibilities.
The project “Future-Ready Digitalisation in the Tourist Information Centres Lippe-Detmold and Hermannsdenkmal” is funded by the federal-state joint programme “Improvement of the Regional Economic Structure”.
