"The trick is to visit attractions at less busy times and perhaps go to an alternative," senior researcher Rob van der Mei explains. “The algorithm helps you plan your visits at available times and creates a day plan. You can see what time you need to be at each attraction and get a map with the route to the attractions. For example: at ten o clock you need to be at the Anne Frank house, at twelve you have your lunch in restaurant X, and after that you can walk to the Van Gogh museum for your next visit."
Using a smartphone app, users fill in the time they are in Amsterdam, and a list of preferred locations they want to visit, how many breaks they want, what modes of transportation they prefer (walking, public transport, taxi, etc) and within seconds they have a day plan with a time table and a route. The app can also give suggestions about what other locations might be included in the day plan.
Tested with real-life data
The algorithm was tested with real-life data from the city of Amsterdam. Overall the generated itineraries included most of the attractions on the wish list, which led to high tourist satisfaction.
“Our work is also applicable to other situations”, Van der Mei says. “For instance, in an amusement park, where people often have to wait at popular attractions. Or on the northern Dutch islands, that can be very crowded during the summer.”
Watch the interview with Rob van der Mei below.
