Upgrade Tourist Transfer Points (TOP 2.0)

The question

There are 33 Tourist Transfer Points (TOPs) in the Achterhoek region (Netherlands). These are locations where you can start your route and are marked with a 4-meter high mesh cone with boulders in it. In addition, there is a trash can, a signpost, a panel with a route map and seats. You can park your car at these locations and switch to a different mode of transportation.

In 2019, a survey was conducted among participants and users. This showed that entrepreneurs would like to see the Tourist Transfer Points connect more closely with their company instead of solitary in public space. In addition, the opinion was that the image could be improved and that the information provision could be more dynamic (and more digital). Finally, it turned out that there was a need for charging points and toilet facilities.

The Route Bureau of Achterhoek Tourism has asked DestinatieX to develop scenarios for a Tourist Transfer Points 2.0, in which entrepreneurs have an important role. Based on the scenarios, we realized the renewed TOPs in close collaboration with the Route Bureau of Achterhoek Tourism. Various Tourist Transfer Points in the Achterhoek are being renovated in phases.

Our approach

We participated in existing brainstorms about the Tourist Transfer Points. Based on this, we have developed four variants in consultation with Achterhoek Tourism and had them designed. All variants have a fixed basis of facilities, so that the guest knows what to expect. In addition, there are several options to upgrade a Tourist Transfer Point. Or by upgrading the physical Tourist Transfer Point itself or through a stronger connection with a company directly at the Tourist Transfer Point.

The aim is to offer more digital information at Tourist Transfer Points in a touchscreen (indoor or outdoor). We have thought out and described the operation of the software and supervised its implementation. The software is designed in such a way that Achterhoek Tourism can add custom touch screens itself. It can be determined per touchscreen which information is displayed, and which colors, logos and photos should be displayed. The entrepreneur can also enter his own information on the screen. In addition, there is a lot of information about See & Do, Eating & Drinking, Staying overnight, Tourist Information & TIPs and routes. All information can be transferred to the mobile phone by means of a QR code.

We supervised the entire process for the transformation of the Tourist Transfer Points from design to realization.

The result

As a result, a concept has been developed with different degrees to upgrade the Tourist Transfer Points. A variant can be chosen per location that suits the local situation. Each scenario has a fixed basis of facilities, supplemented with extra elements of information and inspiration for visitors.

A first pilot has been realized at Holiday Park De Twee Bruggen in Winterswijk. The Tourist Transfer Point has been updated here with an overview panel with inspiration tips and a galvanized steel frame with the name of the TOP and an outdoor touchscreen. Under the frame, the gabion is not filled with large boulders, but with green chunks of glass and lighting. An indoor touchscreen with frame has also been realized at De Twee Bruggen in the renewed Outdoor Experience at the park .

On the basis of the learning points, the design has been slightly refined in parts. For example, a corten steel variant has been added and a seat (made from recycled plastic) has been added to the wall. A non-digital variant of the Tourist Transfer Point has also been added for locations where the entrepreneur already has a touchscreen. The first 14 new Tourist Transfer Points have now been installed. 26 Tourist Transfer Points are being upgraded in phases.

Software

For this project we have thought out and described the operation of the software and supervised its implementation. The software is designed in such a way that Achterhoek Tourism can add custom touch screens itself. It can be determined per touchscreen which information is displayed and which colors, logos and photos should be displayed. The information is linked to the Achterhoek Tourism database.

• Location: Under the heading ‘This location’, information about the entrepreneur can be displayed (information about facilities, menu, etc.), so that it matches the business operations and brand of the entrepreneur.</ li>
• Achterhoek: On a Achterhoek map you can tap highlights in the Achterhoek and get information about these points of interest.
• Environment: Here you can find information about Zien & Do, Eat & Drink, Overnight or Tourist Information Centers.
• Routes: In this section you can find routes that start from the TOP or nearby. You can also have a custom route suggested by the digital Routemixer. Finally, the route maps can also be called up here.

All information can be transferred to the mobile phone by means of a QR code.