Mobile hybrid networks for tourist service provision in small Destination Management Organizations

Abstract

The combination of broadcasting networks with the emerging Digital Video Broadcasting - Handheld (DVB-H) standard and broadband cellular communication networks, produces a hybrid network with interesting potential for mobile multimedia tourist applications. This hybrid network allow tourists to access tourist multimedia contents while on the destination, combining several telecommunication networks in order to provide innovative added-value services. This paper presents the design, implementation and evaluation in a small destination of a hybrid network composed of point-to-multipoint technologies for the provision of general information about the destination (points of interest, agenda, food and beverage, accommodation) that are the same for all tourists; and point-to-point technologies for a point-to-point interaction to access personalized added-value services (ticket purchasing, personalized contents).