So, you’re curious about augmented reality. You’ve heard the buzz, read the stats, and seen the potential. But the idea of needing developers, custom apps, or a massive content library? That’s enough to make anyone back away slowly.
Good news: you don’t need to overhaul your business or break the bank to dip into AR. You can start small—and smart.
Here are five easy ways to add AR-style experiences to your tours using the tools and content you likely already have.
1. Start with QR codes (they’re basically AR’s gateway drug)
QR codes might not be flashy, but they’re reliable—and nearly everyone knows how to use them.
You can link QR codes to:
- Short videos of your guide or partners explaining a stop
- Audio stories or interviews
- Bonus recipes, maps, or behind-the-scenes photos
💡 Tip: Print and place them at check-in, on your vehicles, or even on takeaway postcards at the end of the tour.
And if you want to gate some content behind an email sign-up? Even better—you’re building your database while offering something genuinely useful.
Not all AR requires guests to download something from the app store. Platforms like:
…let you create AR experiences that launch straight from a mobile browser. That means no downloads, no logins, no friction—just scan and go.
Think: a mural that reveals hidden artwork, a building that comes to life with a video, or a plate of food that launches a short recipe and origin story.
3. Turn your tour route into a layered map
If your experience follows a fixed path (walking tour, bike route, ferry loop), you can create a layered digital map using tools like:
These maps let you drop pins with extra information—text, images, videos, links—and guests can explore it on their own time.
It’s a great solution for self-guided tours or as an “extra resource” for guests who want to go deeper after the tour is over.
4. Focus on content first—AR is just the delivery method
If you’re stuck thinking about how, shift focus to what.
You probably already have great content that could work for AR:
- An old photo of the building you stop at
- A quote from the artist whose mural you show
- A behind-the-scenes video from your food tour partners
- An audio file of your guide’s best story
Start by organising your existing stories and media, then think about how you can deliver them digitally. You don’t need to create new content for the sake of AR—you just need to share what you already have in a new way.
5. Make it optional, not essential
This one’s important.
Not every guest will want to use their phone during your tour—and that’s fine. AR should never be the main event. It’s there to add a layer for those who want it. If the experience still works perfectly without it, you’ve struck the right balance.
In fact, the more “low-key” you make your AR elements, the more natural they’ll feel—and the more likely people are to actually use them.
Final thought: AR is just enhanced storytelling
This isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about finding new ways to deliver the great stories, insights, and experiences you already offer. AR gives you tools to scale your storytelling, make quiet moments more engaging, and give guests the freedom to explore at their own pace.
You don’t need to launch the next Pokémon Go. You just need to start small—and stay curious.
Want to chat about how this could fit into your tours? We’d be happy to help you explore it.