Innovation – INTEWO

Think tank to develop sustainable concepts in Oman

// Khalid Al Toubi, INTEWO, and Michele De Lucchi during the visit in Muscat //

To respond to Oman’s growing need to develop projects that can enhance the awareness of its natural environment and cultural heritage a consortium of Omani, German and Italian consultants have been instituted that can provide services for the conception, design and execution of projects for museums, information and edutainment centres that will further increase Oman’s identity and attractiveness in the Middle East.

The consortium is represented by the Omani company INTEWO and is already engaged in advising and conceiving innovative ideas that embrace tourism, education, sustainable architecture and new media technologies. All projects are aimed at creating benefits for both national and local economies that in turn will support social and educational improvement within the countries regions.

Each partner in the consortium brings specific knowledge and international experiences that when combined bring to Oman the most contemporary thinking and creativity in helping realize the ambitious plans of the tourism sector.

During a recent meeting in Muscat the management and key executives of the affiliated firms visited main attractions and the architectural masterpieces in Oman. A workshop and discussions on the diverse cultural and natural heritage in the context of sustainable development, tourism and education trends and services complemented the expert’s visit.

INTEWO, headquartered in Germany with agencies in Oman and Ethiopia, is specialised in the planning, coordination and implementation of sustainable tourism projects and environmental conservation.

RLS JAKOBSMEYER is a leading promotional and media development organization based in Germany that can provide all the production and marketing requirements to provide print, photography and film services.

STUDIO DR ULRICH HERMANNS is one of Germany’s leading specialists that develops comprehensive research, concepts and planning for the execution of museum display and interior design.

STUDIO DE LUCCHI is an internationally recognised architect and designer based in Milan that has created numerous projects that focus on the cultural identity and physical expression of its private clients and public institutions.

Visionary tourist information

tore1 — "touristinfo2go" - an innovative concept to provide tourist information

INTEWO | World Habitat Society GmbH has developed a new, innovative tourist information system for the project “Exquisite Nature” in the Hoexter district, Germany.

At so-called “Gates into the region” a wealth of information about the European natural heritage in the Hoexter district will be provided. Made of solid wood and equipped with high quality printed information elements (nature photography, maps) the new information desk installations are real eye-catchers at their respective locations, e.g. being an integral part of existing tourist information centers.

The central element of the information desk is an embedded iPad, hosting an exclusive application for the „Exquisite Nature“, providing a range of multimedia information. In addition to texts, news, events and galleries, in particular videos, audio stories and interactive maps are providing an innovative multimedia experience and offer impressive insights into the project. The self-explanatory handling of the iPad provides easy access to information for the visitors. Integrated sound showers ensure the audio experience.

Further more, tourists and visitors to the “Exquisite Nature” can download an application for personal iPads or iPhones for free. This can be done at home in preparation to a visit or with the use of QR-Codes being at a one of the information desks, which provide a free WiFi network. This enables tourists to have their “personal guide” and access to information, wherever and whenever needed. The application, with support of the GPS system, is providing orientation on detailed maps and offers multimedia location-based-services, for the various nature reserves and attractions. The comprehensive range of digital information is stored offline in the application, to avoid additional costs from tariff rates and poor 3G networks in remote areas.

The modern and technologically advanced tourist portal, a combination of traditional and innovative information sources, enhances the professional capability, visibility and service. Barrier free, multi touch experience, live information and multimedia data are all integrated aspects of this visionary concept. Finally this will enhance the visitor experience, and at the same time boost young and old people’s enthusiasm for understanding their surroundings in a way that is both fun and instructive. “Gates into the region” have been installed at seven locations within the “Exquisite Nature” region.