# Tour-ovation New technology helps globe-trotters navigate foreign countries. By [Katherinev123](https://www.trendhunter.com/katherine), Contributing Editor | Published Dec 14, 2011, updated Dec 20, 2011 | Category: [World](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/global-trends-and-hip-travel) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/tourist-ovation ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.9/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Tour-ovation trend? **Tour-ovation:** Gone are the days when travelers must tote around heavy guidebooks or schedule inconvenient tours just to ensure they maximize their trips. Technology has given tourists many more options to explore foreign lands, and these innovations also help to promote tourism in any given place. From social media to virtual guidebooks and more, innovative travel technology is not only changing the landscape of the tourism industry but can mean new opportunities for local establishments to expose themselves to foreign visitors. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: May 18 to Nov 30, 2011 - Published: Dec 14, 2011 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence), [Many to Many](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/many-to-many) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Themes within the Tour-ovation trend ### Digital travel tools Innovative travel technology is changing the landscape of the tourism industry and promoting tourism in various places. ### Interactive tourist activities Consumers are looking for ways to connect with the real world through technological solutions such as virtual travel testers. ### Social media promotion Social media has become a popular mechanism for tourism and promoting attractions, promoted in creative ways by real-life social media mayors. ## What the Tour-ovation trend means for industry ### For Tourism technology Developing digital tools for tourists such as virtual maps and wrist-worn guides. ### For Travel experiences Developing interactive, social and personalised activities for tourists such as the Gidsy community. ### For Promotions & advertising Using social media effectively to connect with consumers and promote attractions such as Mayor Bob Buckhorn's virtual tour of Tampa Bay. ## Trend signals for Tour-ovation Trend score 2.9 out of 10, from popularity 51%, activity 27%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 51% - Activity: 27% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Tour-ovation trend 7 featured examples from May 18 to Nov 30, 2011. - [Interactive Graffiti Tracking Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paris-street-art): Paris Street Art is a Website That Locates Murals on a Map (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The use of interactive graffiti tracking tools has the potential to create unique, artsy tourist experiences and promote local tourism. - [Tourism Tablets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mondrian-hotel-ipads): The Mondrian Hotel iPads are Placed in Every Room to Simplify Guest Experience (Category: World) Implication: Hotels should consider investing in in-room tablets to offer guests an extra level of convenience and luxury. - [Wrist-Worn Guidebooks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cricket-travel-guide): The Cricket Travel Guide Helps You Discover a City's Hidden Gems (Category: Tech) Implication: The travel and tourism industry can incorporate the Cricket travel guide to enhance traveler experiences and engagement. - [Authentic Experience Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gidsy-community): Gidsy Community Connects Users to Activities (Category: Tech) Implication: Creating platforms that connect travelers to local experiences and activities in various destinations. - [Virtual Travel Testers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/MyNorwayTrip): MyNorwayTrip.com Offers Imaginary Trips (Category: World) Implication: Opportunities to develop virtual travel experiences and innovative marketing campaigns within the travel and tourism industry. - [Real-Life Social Media Mayors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mayor-bob-buckhorn): Mayor Bob Buckhorn of Tampa Uses Foursquare to Promote City (Category: Marketing) Implication: Social media tourism can help drive foot traffic and attract visitors to tourist destinations in various cities around the world - [Quirky Tourist Attraction Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roadside-america): Roadside America Connects You to Hidden Gems (Category: Tech) Implication: The travel and tourism industry can leverage technological solutions like Roadside America's app to enhance user experiences and attractions. ## Recent trend clusters - [Layered Getaways](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/short-trip-leisure) (World) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in World - [Electrically Powered Airline Seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/premium-economy-seat) - [Family Rave Vacations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/family-rave) - [Free In-Flight Internet](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/free-in-flight-internet) - [Flexible Luxury Motorhomes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flexible-luxury-motorhomes) All articles: [World](https://www.trendhunter.com/world)