New app for Mediterranean Conference Centre as 'a virtual museum'
History is becoming more accessible to everyone through technology - Ian Borg
The 16th century Mediterranean Conference Centre has entered the digital age with a dedicated app acting as a “virtual museum”.
Using innovative technology, driven primarily by artificial intelligence, the app is an informative tool about al places of interest within the 450-year old conference centre in Valletta. Users will receive all the information through an audio guide and visual content in various languages and in different locations within the centre.
The app, which was developed by Sey Travel, includes chatbots featuring a number of characters, a virtual map that helps users navigate from one place to another and a children’s character called “Oranġjo”.
Speaking at the launch of the app, Tourism Minister Ian Borg said history is becoming more accessible to everyone through technology.
“I am pleased to see initiatives of this kind, because this place has a lot of potential,” Borg said.
He added that the MCC must continue to fulfil its role as a conference hub and a cultural centre but also remain a tourist attraction.
“It is also important that this building serves to help Maltese and Gozitans, especially the younger generation, to understand and appreciate the richness of our history.”
MCC CEO Nigel Vella said the app is a “bridge” connecting the past with the present and the present with the future.
“It is wonderful that in a building like this, you can see the past through technology,” Vella added.
The MCC will be hosting an open day on Sunday from 10am to 5pm.