Today VisitMalta.com introduced the world to “Marija,” a typical Maltese woman who has all the answers to visitors’ questions about the island’s history and locations.
There is just one catch: Marija is not a real woman.
Instead, she is a virtual citizen, a part of a revolutionary new program that combines the infinite possibilities of virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and the Metaverse to create a new way to connect with tourists on a more human level.
Who Is Marija and What Is the Virtual Citizen Program?
Marija is an industry first: a resident of Malta that exists only in digital form. But that doesn’t mean that she is a flat, robotic being with no personality. Marija was intentionally created with traits common to human residents of Malta, including physical characteristics and features typical of the Mediterranean region. She was also given an ancestry that dates back to the time of the Knights of St. John and the British Colonial rule.
Marija will be capable of interacting with tourists much like a human would – and in real time. She can answer any question concerning Maltese history, offer directions, and even throw in a joke or two when the situation is appropriate.
Malta’s first virtual citizen was developed in close collaboration with Reimagine.ai, an artificial intelligence creative studio whose team worked painstakingly hard to allow Marija to speak with key phrases of the Maltese language and exhibit mannerisms identical to those exhibited in a typical conversation between locals.
The purpose of this project is to offer tourists an extensive information hotspot with which to research Maltese history. In addition to being able to answer questions about historical events, Marija will also be able to educate users about notable people and locations.
“Integrating technology with Maltese tourism is the way forward in this age of acceleration. What was once known as a barren rock in the middle of the Mediterranean today is not only one of Europe’s best performers in economic growth but is now climbing up the ladder to become a digital bastion on the international stage. Our sureness of touch, steadfastness, and the ability to bridge alliances together in these difficult times, are those likely to see us continue to steer Malta as a go-to-country in the digital world,” highlighted Minister for Tourism and Consumer Protection, Clayton Bartolo.
About the Maltese Islands
Malta is a small island nation with plenty of sunshine and natural beauty. Boasting golden sandy beaches, blue skies, and clear waters, Malta is the ideal holiday destination. Malta’s government keeps its island nation at the cutting edge of technology and is recognized as a world leader in crypto, blockchain, and casino regulation. Find out more at VisitMalta.com.
About Reimagine.ai
Reimagine.ai is a software company committed to revolutionizing the way people interact with machines and each other through the use of Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, and Internet of things technology.