3 days Ago By Chester Robards Senior Business Reporter [email protected]
T he Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation along with Aliv launched the pilot phase of their smart city app yesterday after one year of development, making history in the region, according to officials, who said the interface has already been used by 35,000 people. Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Affairs Wayde Watson said the three-year partnership for the smart city infrastructure with Aliv came at an investment of $100,000. The interface will give visitors to Downtown Nassau access to Wi-Fi from the Sidney Poitier Bridge to Arawak Cay, through an advertisement wall that will also give downtown businesses a platform to advertise.
Vice President of Aliv Business Charnette Thompson said at the launch event for the app that the interface users will interact with will also collect data that can be used by the Ministry of Tourism. “We’re thrilled to launch this project that connects us, quite literally, to six million cruise ship passengers that visit our island,” said Thompson. “Our company is deeply committed to advancing connectivity, culture and innovation in The Bahamas.
The Ministry of Tourism and the Department of ICT [Information and Communication Technology] have been amazing strategic partners throughout this pilot phase, and we look forward to continued success now that the smart city project has officially launched. “This means the tourists can stay connected, whether they’re exploring Prince George Wharf or the straw market, or taking pictures at historic Rawson Square, or relaxing at Junkanoo Beach and Arawak Cay. “This also means that local retailers, restaurants, bars, hotels, scooter and car rental companies, artisans, and other businesses can reach the untapped market of cruise ship passengers.
The tourists can watch video ads to see more about products and services managed by live businesses.” Thompson said the Wi-Fi will be accessed by scanning a QR code that will then take the user to a window where they will have to watch or see an ad before gaining access to the Wi-Fi. Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation Chester Cooper said the infrastructure rolled out by Aliv is robust enough to handle the internet glut of the sometimes 40,000 visitors that could visit the city on a busy cruise day.
He said it will also be able to provide real-time data for tourism officials. “The primary goal of this initiative is to empower both our local and international stakeholders to tap into the economic potential of cruise tourism, allowing them to market their brands, products and services directly to cruise passengers and visitors downtown, fostering further exploration of Nassau as well as Paradise Island, increasing the support of tourists for local businesses, and inspiring our cruise visitors to return as stayover guests,” said Cooper. “Sponsors can now not only promote their brand, but also highlight nearby attractions and events, creating memorable experiences associated with their brand.
” Thompson said businesses interested in advertising on the app can contact Aliv Business for information..
