My app gives access to the inside of famous landmarks using image recognition to determine who is inside and made bookings using our app. It also acts as a recommendation tool that helps determine relevant places to visit and why based on variables set by users from experience.
Here is a simple thought to ponder: if the landmark is famous, is image recognition of people (with all the ethical issues that brings) necessary to promote it? What value does the image recognition bring that simple user documentation (i.e. user supplied data and imagery) would not?
As a marketing consultant to tourism, health, robotics and HR startups, I look at what people are asking for, and what minimum tech application is necessary to provide it.
Consider this - does your image recognition better serve the 'hidden gems' of tourism?
Happy to discuss further :)
Arjun.
Prelaunch gamification will certainly be very helpful in your case.
I have found that if you reward prospective users of your app using indirectly relevant gamification, users get engaged with your venture. The most activity mobile app user does after texting and phone calls is Take Photos.
I would suggest to create a gamified campaign around taking photos of landmarks and reward those prospective users for taking 3-5 photos, social sharing etc.
Reward something simpler like what they can physically take home or share or use while traveling etc.
now once the campaign is over, notify all the participants to social share and also introduce your actual app. There will be a great chance of these users becoming your app's genuine users and continue using your product.
Build the campaign!
We solve these problems with www.oly.io and better gamification under startups market interest discovery www.mobisoftinfotech.com.
Good luck!
Best,
Shail
To start off, the tourist market is very crowded. However, there is a place for local apps. I would start with the local tourist office, they are often happy to put your flyers in their office. If people like your app, maybe you can talk with the city administration and they provide funding.
All in all, your app sounds a non-AR version of LAYAR.