Rome’s rich historical landscape is now more accessible to tourists, thanks to Julia, an AI virtual assistant powered by Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service. This innovative tool is designed to guide visitors to lesser-known sites, thereby easing congestion at popular landmarks, according to Source EMEA.

Introducing Julia: A Virtual Guide

Julia is the result of a collaboration between the city of Rome, Microsoft, NTT DATA, and Intellera. The AI assistant uses the latest GPT-4o technology to offer personalized recommendations, enhancing the travel experience beyond the usual tourist spots. Julia was named to reflect Rome’s deep historical roots, echoing names like Julius Caesar’s daughter, Giulia.

Rome’s Preparation for the 2025 Jubilee

With an expected influx of 35 million additional visitors for the 2025 Catholic Jubilee, Rome is preparing to manage increased tourist numbers. Julia’s development forms part of this strategy, aiming to distribute visitors more evenly across the city, thus minimizing overcrowding at iconic locations such as the Pantheon.

An Example Itinerary

On a typical day, Julia might guide tourists from the bustling Piazza della Rotonda to quieter spots like Piazza Mattei, known as Turtle Square. This approach not only enriches tourists’ experiences but also brings economic benefits to lesser-visited areas.

The Technology Behind Julia

The AI assistant leverages Microsoft Azure’s capabilities, combined with insights from NTT DATA and Intellera, to offer a seamless, intelligent guide service. This collaboration highlights a growing trend of using AI to enhance cultural tourism, providing a blend of historical education and modern convenience.

As Rome gears up for 2025, Julia represents a significant step forward in managing the city’s tourism flow, ensuring that visitors can enjoy its treasures without the burden of overcrowding.

For more details, please visit the Source EMEA.

Image source: Shutterstock