Acoustiguide has used its Opus system to deliver audio throughout the Acre Hospitaller Fortress exhibit in Israel. The Old Acre Development Company, Ltd. (OADC) has also completed extensive renovations to enhance the visitor experience at the Hospitaller Fortress.
The Hospitaller Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important destination for both foreign and domestic tourists. It was built by the Crusaders in the 15th century and encompasses aspects of Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Baha’i history, including the Templars’ tunnels, a traditional Turkish bath, and the Okashi Art Museum. More than 300,000 people visit each year, with projections of 500,000 since the changes.
“Acoustiguide shares our philosophy of creating completely unique, engaging experiences,” said David Harry, managing director of the OADC. “Thanks to its technology, Acoustiguide helped breathe life into 5,000 years of Acre’s history in the Fortress.”
The team at Acoustiguide worked hand in hand with the OADC team from the initial concepts to the final implementation. Video presentations are shown on walls and floors throughout the fortress, without sound. Every visitor receives the Acoustiguide Opus technology in order to fully “participate” in the Fortress experience. Acoustiguide’s apps sync precisely with the presentation in 10 languages. Its RF sensors are installed unobtrusively throughout the site, blending in without damaging or detracting from the architecture.
They automatically trigger the audio on the portable guiding devices when a visitor enters a particular area, providing a visitor-centric experience. Live actors also interact with the visitors, so the headphones are designed to fit over the ears without covering them, enhancing both the real-time and recorded experience. The system also synchronises with group tours, accommodating up to 16 groups at a time, allowing every visitor to fully enjoy the experience.
“We take a comprehensive approach to creating a fun, simple, but meaningful and even educational experience that reflects each site’s unique vision,” said Israel Gal, CEO of Acoustiguide. “We coordinated everything with the OADC to develop the multilingual content and the delivery so nothing would detract from the site itself. Visitors seamlessly experience the audio and video without having to do a thing. All they have to do is enjoy and learn.”
