Abstract
We focus on small-scale historical buildings, which play an important role as local resources, and propose an audio guide system designed to introduce these buildings effectively. Specifically, we aim to create a low-cost, easily updatable system that local volunteer guides and building managers can easily utilize. Compared to conventional guided tours, this audio guide system can be operated with fewer staff members and enables tourists to learn about the history and culture of the buildings at their own pace. One key feature of the audio guide system is its support for multiple languages, catering to inbound demand, and providing audio and text formats. Additionally, the system employs generative AI technology to streamline the creation and updating of guide content. By leveraging generative AI, local volunteers, and staff can easily generate and update the content without needing specialized knowledge. For the demonstration experiment, the Cultural Path Area in Higashi Ward, Nagoya City, was selected as the site to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed audio guide system. In this experiment, we assessed tourist satisfaction, understanding, and convenience when using the system, and identified areas for improvement and operational challenges. The results confirmed that a low-cost, easy-to-use audio guide system can contribute to the promotion of local tourism. This study proposes a novel approach to guide system development aimed at revitalizing local tourism. It provides a practical framework for collaboration between local communities and the tourism industry to promote the sustainable use of tourism resources.
