Inspiration screens

By project TAAS

Published on 06 June 2025

Netherlands

Limburg (NL)

About this good practice

Staff at hotels, for example, are often approached by guests with questions about what they can do in the area. The desk clerk does not always have the time to answer these questions, but also his or her knowledge is often incomplete. To cope with this, the foundation Visit Zuid-Limburg had a software package created that creates so-called Inspiration screens. These inspiration screens are touch screens on which tourist information can then be displayed in various ways. For example in the form of text, video and images.

These screens can be placed near, for example, a reception or waiting area. The inspiration screens can also be used in other public places such as shopping centres, town halls, etc. All that is needed is a strong internet connection.

Certain information on the screen is linked to a QR code. If users get inspired and want to know more about a topic they can scan the QR code after which they have all the information directly on their smartphone. Results can be measured by how often the screen was touched and how often a QR code was scanned.

The inspiration screens promote a wide range of attractions and businesses, helping even more to distribute tourist flows more evenly across the region. Smaller municipalities and local entrepreneurs benefit from increased visibility without needing large promotional budgets. The collected usage data can also support more targeted tourism strategies, strengthening the region’s competitive position as a destination.

Resources needed

Three components are needed:
1. A touchscreen screen (cost varies according to size: 27 inch € 1200)
2. An NUC computer (needed to run the software: € 750)
3. A subscription-based software licence (3 years license € 1.135) Visit South Limburg manages the software.

Evidence of success

• You don't need staff to provide the right tourist information.
• In 2024, 935 QR-codes where scanned. In 2025, until May, 522 QR-code scans.
• Currently, there is no complete data available on how many times a screen has been used by a person, as the owner has to request this himself. Last known data of one specific inspiration screen was: period September - December 2023 / 192 users and 1488 screen touches.

Potential for learning or transfer

• The main challenges for transfer are initial investment costs, content maintenance, and ensuring a stable internet connection. One way to solve this could be to share the cost between entrepeneurs and the relevant municipality. An entrepreneur invests in the hardware and the municipality invests in the software licence.
• The inspiration columns are particularly intended for accommodations.This gives front-desk staff more time for other activities. But they can also be used in public spaces. To inspire passers-by.
• The collected usage data can also support more targeted tourism strategies, strengthening the region’s competitive position as a destination.
• Within the current software, data on touchscreen usage needs to be extracted from the system on site. It would be better if this could be downloaded remotely.