The World of Hospitality Issue 40 2021 | Page 12

12 THE WORLD OF HOSPITALITY
THE LOCALE APP

Sunderland To Pilot Trailblazing Real Time App ...

A UNIQUE app which allows visitors and local people to navigate their way around attractions , hospitality and leisure venues is to be piloted in Sunderland before being rolled out nationwide .
The Locale has been developed to benefit both businesses and users , providing real-time information about what bars , restaurants , cafes , retail and other cultural outlets have to offer .
The creators believe it is now going to be more valuable than ever to organisations , with its ability to give up to date information about social distancing , queues and promotional deals at venues across the city centre .
The Locale has been working closely with Sunderland BID to launch the app , with plans to then bring on board other North East towns and cities before growing it into a nationwide network .
Grant Thompson , founder of the company , said that a number of Sunderland businesses had already signed up , including The Engine Room and Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens and he is excited about more businesses getting involved .
The Locale has been in development for a number of years but was reworked to factor in the impact of the “ new normal ” post Covid .
“ What it allows us to do is to communicate on behalf of venues in real time so they are able to share their information ,” he said .
“ It will tell people when they are open , what the queues are like , how long they may have to wait and can also navigate customers towards the venues .
“ It can showcase what a venue has to offer and any special information they want to share .
“ It also gives businesses the opportunity to promote their Covid procedures so that customers will feel confident , comfortable and safe to visit .”
The app – which can be downloaded from the app store or via the website at https :// thelocale . info / – is currently free for both customers and businesses and anyone wanting to sign their venue up should contact info @ thelocale . info
“ It is acting as a digital clicker for the venues giving confidence to the public to know how many people are in the venues in real time .” said Grant .
“ It ’ s also a fantastic way to get people to become familiar with ease of use technology such as augmented reality and we are integrating a track and trace system , bringing even more benefits to the businesses .
“ We have had a great response so far , but we are hoping to encourage more Sunderland businesses to get on board with this free product .”
Sharon Appleby , Head of Business Operations at Sunderland BID said she was delighted The Locale was being piloted in the city .
“ This is great opportunity for city centre businesses to be the first in the country to try an augmented reality app which can provide up to the minute information .
“ We hope everyone will get behind it and sign up to be involved .”
WEBSITE : www . thelocale . info