Travaalay: An AI-Powered Mobile Platform for Tourism with Student Translator Guides, Agro-Tourism, and Astro-Tourism Experiences

Abstract

With the rapid growth of tourism worldwide, language barriers often pose a significant challenge for travelers seeking authentic experiences. Travaalay addresses this problem by connecting tourists with local students who act as personal translators and cultural guides. The need for this project arises from the difficulties faced by tourists in understanding local languages, customs, and services, which can reduce the overall travel experience. The project employs a mobile application that allows tourists to search for available student translators based on location, language preference, and specialty, such as guiding in historical sites, local markets, or culinary experiences. The matching mechanism uses a weighted scoring algorithm that considers language proficiency, availability, and user ratings to ensure the most suitable pairing. The system’s effectiveness is validated through pilot testing, achieving an accuracy of approximately 92% in successful touristguide matches. Travaalay not only enhances communication for tourists but also creates opportunities for students to engage in cultural exchange and earn from their language skills, promoting a mutually beneficial ecosystem for tourism and learning.