Maltese tour guide operator Colour My Travel is launching what is being described as Valletta’ first human/AI-powered walking tour.
Part of the HiD-Catch project, this initiative will see human tour guides supported by AI versions of historic Maltese figures, which are intended to offer tourists deeper and more detailed answers.
It is funded by Xjenza Malta, with technical support provided by SeyAI, a Maltese AI advisory firm founded by AI expert Dylan Seychell, who is also the co-founder of Colour My Travel.
Participants will be invited to scan a QR code at various spots around Valletta, which will take them to a text-to-voice chatbot of a particular character, such as Caravaggio, Jean de Valette, or Jean de la Cassière.
Dr Seychell stressed with WhosWho.mt that the AI tools are not intended to replace human tour guides but to enhance the walking tour experience.
He said that while people can already use tools like ChatGPT to guide themselves through a city, they risk missing the fun and interaction of a curated walking tour.
Meanwhile, AI can help tour guides and operators transition from a broadcast-like style to a more personalised and dialogue-based approach.
He said the AI characters could help tour guides out if a tourist asks them a question that falls outside their area of expertise and prompt discussion between tour guide and tourists.
A test version of the tour will launch to the general public on Friday evening free of charge, with participants requested to complete a short survey at the end of the experience.
