The Role of Creative Placemaking in Upscaling Bandung Mobile Tourism Information Center

Abstract

Being recognized as a favorite tourism destination, Bandung has invested in building Bandung Tourism Information Center (TIC), serving as a one-stop platform for tourists which provides information related to attractions, festivals, as well as information about the local area. Despite the strategic responsibility, however, its location is yet to be known by its user, or the tourists themselves. This study is aimed to build consensus on strategies to revitalize the current condition of Bandung Tourism Information Center. This research was conducted using a qualitative method with design thinking approach to regenerate the current condition of the Bandung Tourism Information Center through placemaking elements, for instance, activities, physical elements, and conceptions. The research was based on the Bandung tourist's needs, laying out conceptual design as recommendations that can be applied and implemented by the local government. Studies show that Bandung tourists could find the local tourism information from social media or the internet. Nevertheless, they could not find some local experience and stories about Bandung that Tourism Information Center should provide. The design will be a mobile vlog recording booth that has modular extensions and it can be providing Tourism Information purpose as promotional media and numerous activities for tourists, communities, and the resident to explore their memories and imagination about the city. This conceptual design is to trigger a bond between the government. creative community and residents in Bandung through the activities of the Bandung Tourism Information Center. This conceptual design shapes the new perspectives about Mobile Tourism Information center as anunique attraction conducted by the community and tourism information management. This design increasing public awareness about the existence of the Tourism Information Center through additional activities by the community.