Captain Pugwash comes home to Rye via new GuideGeek AI tool for visitors | News
After a long time at sea, Captain Pugwash and the crew of the Black Pig have anchored in Rye to embark on their latest adventure. Moving into the 21st century, Pugwash will headline Rye’s new tourist information service thanks to a new AI tool that visitors can access via their mobile phone. The AI is built on Matador Network’s GuideGeek platform and trained using extensive data from the Rye Chamber of Commerce.
Visitors to Rye can now use this AI tool at www.visitrye.co.uk and WhatsApp for customized travel tips and full itineraries that connect them to local businesses and activities. It provides personalized real-time answers to any travel or tourism question – all in Captain Pugwash’s unmistakable style.
The town has lacked a tourist information center since April 2023, when lack of funding forced its closure. For a city that relies heavily on the visitor economy, this has been difficult. Leveling up capital funding, secured by Rye Chamber and facilitated by Rother District Council, has funded this cost-effective solution, which has the benefits of requiring no staff or buildings and will always remain up to date.
“This is the first technology of its kind to be used for tourism information in Britain,” said Jane Brook, chairman of the Rye Chamber. “We wanted our guide to be a recognizable character, and who better than Pugwash, given our city’s connection to creator John Ryan and his family. We are thrilled to have received permission from John’s estate to use the Pugwash character for this purpose. Working with his daughter, Isabel, to explore the original artwork has been a great privilege and we are extremely grateful for her enthusiasm for the project.”
A raft of new Pugwash signage can now be seen across the city – in car parks and at Station Approach. Upon arrival, visitors simply scan the QR code and start “chatting” with Pugwash itself on WhatsApp. Would you like a restaurant recommendation or direct information about events in the city? He can tell you. Need directions for your family outing? He can do that too. Businesses will have the opportunity to place a QR code in their shop windows or on their counters so that tourist information is easily accessible.
“I’m delighted that some well-known and well-loved faces will be appearing on the town’s tourist signage,” said Isabel Ryan, Rye resident and daughter of the creator of Pugwash. “Captain Pugwash is jumping for joy because he is part of a really big adventure in Rye!”
Those researching upcoming trips can also chat with Pugwash at www.visitrye.co.uk. The website also features a new film showcasing the tourist highlights of Rye and the surrounding area.
“Not only is Rye the first UK destination we have worked with to develop a custom AI tool on the GuideGeek platform, but Rye Chamber is also the first volunteer-run organization we have worked with,” said Ross Borden, CEO of Matador Network. “Discovering Pugwash and training the AI to adopt its cheerful pirate vibe was also a highlight for us.”
The tool has already been scaled for future potential applications designed to benefit businesses in the city, including recording footfall, push notifications to visitors and as a means of running city-wide promotions.
By adopting this technology, Rye joins other destinations in Europe, such as Greece and Germany, as well as others around the world, such as New Zealand, Toronto and New York City, in launching custom AI tools with GuideGeek.
www.visitrye.co.uk
