In order to introduce Kayseri to domestic and foreign tourists and to increase tourism in the city, a tourismbased smart city project called Step to Kayseri has been initiated.
Within the scope of the new project, which is supported by the Central Anatolia Development Agency, “iBeacon” devices will be installed at historical and tourist venues as well as shopping malls and leading restaurants of the city. Tourists who download the ‘Step to Kayseri’ app on their smartphones are able to access information about the places they want to visit. Speaking during the press conference to promote the application, Kayseri Governor Orhan Düzgün said that people’s needs and expectations had changed with developing technology. Stressing their belief in integrating technology with tourism in order to offer the best service possible to tourists, Düzgün said: “We initiated the ‘Step to Kayseri’ application since we realize that it is easier to reach people via their smartphones. Thanks to this new app, people will be able to view historic and touristic sites as well as accommodation possibilities, restaurants and places to visit via their mobile phones.” He also added that they would introduce their project at the World’s Smart Cities Summit. Explaining that the app is available on both Android and IOS, Governor Düzgün said that when a tourist approaches a particular landmark in Kayseri such as the Clock Tower or the Seljuk Fortress, he or she will receive a message informing them about the place. Although the application will offer its services in English and Turkish, more languages will be added according to demand.
