13
SEPTEMBER 2026
In my experience, that’s where technology delivers its 
greatest value—not by drawing attention to itself, but by 
quietly connecting every moment of the guest experience.
Connected experiences don’t just make visits more effi-
cient—they make them more meaningful. That’s where 
I believe technology has the greatest opportunity to ele-
vate our industry.
One of my favorite examples is Alcatraz Island. Every vis-
itor arrives with different expectations. Some are drawn 
by the history, others by the architecture, and many in-
ternational travelers want to experience the site in their 
own language. A connected mobile experience allows a 
single destination to meet those diverse needs without 
asking guests to navigate multiple tools or services.
Through augmented reality, visitors can see historic 
spaces from entirely new perspectives. Audio tours 
available in eighteen languages make the experience 
more accessible to guests from around the world, while 
interactive trivia encourages families to explore togeth-
er rather than simply consume information. Digital 
ticket storage ensures practical tasks never interrupt the 
experience itself. Each capability serves a different pur-
pose, but together they create a richer, more engaging 
visit that feels tailored to every guest.
That same philosophy extends across the attractions 
industry. For a ferry operator, it may mean delivering 
real-time service updates that give passengers confi-
dence throughout their journey. For a zoo or aquarium, 
it might mean helping guests navigate the grounds, 
discover keeper talks, learn about conservation ef-
forts, or receive recommendations based on where 
they are during their visit. When these experiences are 
connected, technology becomes a guide rather than 
a distraction.
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