GeoTechnologies and Global Daily Collaborate on New Travel App
GeoTechnologies, the company behind the popular rewards app 'ToriMa', and Global Daily, which runs the inbound media platform 'JAPANKURU', have announced their partnership to release a new app named 'Ask Japan'. This innovative Q&A service app aims to enhance the travel experience for foreign visitors in Japan. Launched on October 22, the app has already seen significant interest, particularly from users in Taiwan.
Background of the Service
With the gradual recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, Japan has experienced a steady increase in the number of foreign tourists. As travelers seek richer and more efficient experiences, GeoTechnologies and Global Daily conducted a joint experiment focusing on how tourists gather local information during their stays. The findings revealed that foreign visitors prioritize direct conversations with local residents over traditional searches or AI assistance for their travel inquiries. This insight was vital in developing 'Ask Japan', which aims to connect tourists directly with local users willing to share insights.
Overview of the App
'Ask Japan' is designed to empower foreign tourists by providing easy access to local information through a chat interface. Unlike standard web searches or AI tools, this app facilitates real-time, relevant communications, enabling users to ask about anything they find confusing or interesting during their visit. Given that responses are anticipated to be swift, this feature makes the app a valuable resource for on-the-spot information.
Moreover, the app includes an automatic translation feature, allowing users to ask and receive answers in their native language, thus eliminating language barriers that might hinder communication. The existing user base from ToriMa, which boasts over 23 million downloads, provides a rich pool of knowledgeable individuals motivated to assist travelers with hospitality and care, ensuring a safe and friendly experience for users.
Future Developments
The collaboration between GeoTechnologies and Global Daily combines the trust and recognition that JAPANKURU has achieved in the inbound tourism sector with the robust user base from ToriMa. Plans for the future include a dual branding strategy leveraging both brands, ultimately aiming to promote tourism digital transformation (DX) while further energizing the inbound market.
About Global Daily and 'JAPANKURU'
Global Daily is a PR company that caters to foreign visitors to Japan. With an extensive network that includes manufacturers, commercial facilities, tourism areas, and local governments, the company provides tailored promotional strategies by matching unique resources. Its marketing solution, 'JAPANKURU', communicates relevant information to 1.5 million followers interested in Japanese tourism and products, using multiple languages such as English, Chinese, Korean, Thai, and Indonesian. The company is well-known for its quality content and native creators who provide insights through comprehensive investigations, earning considerable trust over the past 17 years.
About GeoTechnologies
Founded in 1994, GeoTechnologies has consistently focused on delivering digital map services. The company gained early traction with products like 'MapFan' and has since played a pivotal role in developing various mapping technologies, including those for autonomous driving. The launch of ToriMa, which enables users to earn rewards based on their movement, exemplifies the company's commitment to integrating data-driven insights and creating applications that seamlessly blend user engagement with practical benefits. By combining massive datasets, including movement patterns and geographic information amassed over three decades, GeoTechnologies aims to facilitate a more comfortable and sustainable living experience worldwide.
Headquartered in Bunkyo, Tokyo, GeoTechnologies continues to evolve its offerings to serve the needs of modern travelers and the tourism industry, paving the way for innovative solutions in a post-pandemic world.
ToriMa: The App That Rewards Movement
'ToriMa' allows users to earn points not only for the number of steps taken but also based on the distance traveled. This makes it an excellent app for individuals who commute or travel frequently. With additional features that track step history and calories burned, users can manage their health while engaging in the rewarding process of travel. Earned points can be redeemed for cash, PayPay money, Amazon gift cards, and donations to charities such as forest conservation groups and Doctors Without Borders, further enriching the user experience.