Sponsor 
THE PHILIPPINES, JANUARY 4, 2012: How would you like to have an extensive and interactive tourist guidebook within your fingertips?
Philippine telecommunications leader Smart Communications together with Cebu-based website, MyCebu.ph, developed a way to provide information on tourist spots through quick response or QR code scanning in mobile phones and tablets.
Cebu, located in the Visayas region, is one of the Philippines’ most developed provinces and has been one of the premiere tourist destinations of the country with its pristine beaches and cultural heritage spots.
Placed on special markers in certain heritage sites in Cebu, the QR codes will have short information on the place, which can be scanned through a mobile phone or tablet and will open an article about the landmark.
“The project showcases journalism that takes full advantage of new technology to deliver information to people,” said Marlen Limpag, MyCebu.ph editor, “With the project, people are able to read on their phone or tablet about historic events right at where these happened.”
QR codes can only be scanned through smartphones that have the scanning application installed. Users must be connected to the Internet in order to access the articles when scanning the QR codes.
The Sinulog guidebook,which is a part of the Cebu tourism project launched last December 20 in Barangay Pari-an, is a bible on one of Cebu’s grandest festivals, which contains all the information of cultural and religious activities during the event.
The said e-book can be downloaded for free at the Mactan Cebu International Airport , Ayala Center Cebu, hotels and other tourism spots in the city via USB, e-mail, and QR code scanning. It can be viewed using an iPad, Kindle, Android and smart phones, tablets and e-book readers. Copies are also available in Department of Tourism offices and at the Sinulog Foundation.
“This is part of our efforts to support the Department of Tourism and the Cebu local government in the promotion of tourism in Cebu. Through digital and social media, we can showcase our heritage to more people around the world through locally generated content.” said Atty. Maria Jane Paredes, senior manager for Public Affairs Group, Smart.
