Tourists visiting Southport from across the world are set to be met by \u2018Jimmy\u2019 \u2013 a friendly, AI-integrated Digital Human who will interact with people arriving in the resort and needing to access local information.<\/p>\n
From transport queries and events to local attraction recommendations, the digital guide embraces cutting-edge AI technology to enhance the visitor experience \u2013 including for people arriving in the town for The Open Golf Championship.<\/p>\n
Jimmy speaks 99 languages and automatically responds in the language he is spoken to, ensuring as many visitors as possible can access the same friendly, informative service in an inclusive way.<\/p>\n
Lorna Rogers, Director of Transformation and Digital at the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority said:<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u201cJimmy has been created right here in the Liverpool City Region, but this technology isn\u2019t about innovation for its own sake \u2014 it\u2019s about improving people\u2019s lives, enhancing public services, and solving real local challenges.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy embracing responsible, human\u2011centred AI, we\u2019re setting a benchmark for how regions can use technology to be more inclusive, more responsive, and more welcoming. Jimmy shows what can be achieved when we put purpose-driven innovation at the heart of our visitor experience and our public transport network.\u201d<\/p>\n
Developed in collaboration with customer services technology company Sum Vivas with the Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership and supported by the Combined Authority, Jimmy can answer queries on all six on the City Region\u2019s areas, including travel reports and tourist information.<\/p>\n
Rob Sims, Chief Executive of Sum Vivas said:\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cJimmy brings the City Region\u2019s personality and warmth to life, offering visitors real-time, multilingual guidance and local insights 24\/7. It just shows how home-grown innovation can enhance tourism, improve accessibility, and make the region an even more welcoming destination for visitors from all over the world.\u201d<\/p>\n
Visitors can even take Jimmy with them by accessing his databank of knowledge on a smart phone via a QR code while they\u2019re on the move.<\/p>\n
Natalie Wyatt Managing Director of the Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership said:<\/p>\n
\u201cJimmy represents a major step forward in how we welcome and support visitors across the Liverpool City Region. Visitors expect a warm, memorable experience when they arrive here, and Jimmy helps us deliver that in a fresh and exciting way. By combining cutting\u2011edge AI with locally validated insight, he can answer questions with quality answers for visitors \u2013 whether they\u2019re here for The Open or exploring our region for the first time.<\/p>\n
Investing in Jimmy is just one part of a wider suite of measures from LCRDP to strengthen the visitor welcome across the region, including a new Visitor Welcome Centre at the Pier Head and destination ambassador training due to be rolled out in the coming months. The insights Jimmy gathers will be invaluable in helping us continually enhance the visitor experience and shape smarter, more inclusive services for the future.\u201d<\/p>\n
Suzanne Grant, Chief Commercial Officer and Deputy Managing Director of Merseyrail said:<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u201cIt\u2019s great to see new technology being used to help customers feel welcome and informed as soon as they arrive in Southport.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith visitors arriving from all over the world, particularly for major events like The Open Golf, initiatives like Jimmy help ensure everyone can access the same friendly guidance and enjoy their time in the town.\u201d<\/p>\n