The Rise of Pokemon Go Tourism
People are planning their vacations around their Pokemon Go aspirations. From honeymooners to mountain climbers, Pokemon Go’s vast adult audience has taken their dedication to the popular mobile phone game to the next level: planning their trips around locations where they can catch the most digital monsters. Since Pokemon Go owner Niantic incentivizes Pokemon Go travel by hosting Go Fest fan events and unleashing rare Pokemon – including shinies and trims – only available in certain regions, Pokemon Go tourism has seen a marked increase.
Why Pokemon Go Appeals to Travelers
The game’s popularity hinges on its use of augmented reality, imbuing adorable Pokemon creatures into the real world via your screens. Whether you’re strolling down the streets of Paris or hiking Mount Everest, there may be a Pokemon in your vicinity, which is the ultimate draw for players. If there is a rare Pokemon nearby, a player’s phone will vibrate, indicating there is a creature to capture. With their smartphone’s camera, players can catch the Pokemon and add them to their collection.
Enhanced Travel Experience
Fans claim that the game’s immersive nature can lead them to explore more of their chosen destinations than they would have otherwise. Lene Grooss, 62, and her husband Ole, 59, told the WSJ that as they played Pokemon Go across Europe, the Caribbean, and Asia they found that the game gave them fun routes to explore, both on and off the beaten path. They also liked the sense of community while running into other fellow travelers playing the game and found it an easy way to meet other people abroad.
Connecting with Family
Initially, they began playing the game to connect with their children, but they soon enough found themselves far more obsessed with the game than their children ever were. Nowadays, whenever they travel with family, they’ll go out creature catching, either early in the morning or evening when everyone else has taken to relaxing. Lene noted that she loves how the game encourages her to go outside and interact with her surroundings.
Pokemon Go Fest Events
Thanks to the commercial success of Pokemon Go, travel experts have noted how the augmented reality game incentivizes travel and enhances the tourist experience. Some players have begun to regard the game as a more reliable travel guide than websites like Trip Advisor, with Go Fest events often transforming cities into nexus points filled with PokStops that guide tourists to the biggest sites in the area.
Global Events
With an estimated 190,000 people flocking to Pokemon Go Fest in Madrid in June, leading to hundreds of thousands of foreigners exploring the city, and the most recent one in New York City drawing an estimated 600,000, the popularity of Pokemon Go travel indicates that augmented reality tourism is the next travel frontier.
Why Pokemon Go is Here to Stay
Divya Erram, global lead for Pokemon GO Fest, said to a local news outlet, “People can meet Pikachu and Eevee, we can visit our special event pop-up shop and most importantly play together.” Pokemon GO is here to stay.
Community and Exploration
The game’s success lies in its ability to blend technology with real-world exploration. It encourages players to step outside, discover new places, and meet new people, all while indulging in their love for Pokemon. This unique blend of digital and physical experiences makes Pokemon Go a powerful tool for tourism and community building.
Commercial Success
The commercial success of Pokemon Go has not only benefited Niantic but also the tourism industry. Cities hosting Go Fest events see a significant increase in visitors, boosting local economies and promoting cultural exchange. This symbiotic relationship between the game and tourism is a testament to the innovative potential of augmented reality in enhancing real-world experiences.
Conclusion
Pokemon Go tourism is more than just a trend; it’s a new way to experience the world. By blending digital and physical exploration, the game has created a unique travel experience that appeals to a wide range of people. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a casual player, Pokemon Go offers a fun and engaging way to explore new places and meet new people. So, the next time you plan a vacation, consider making it a Pokemon Go adventure.
