NFC Smart Tourist Card: Combining Mobile and Contactless Technologies towards a Smart Tourist Experience

According to several digital marketing experts Near Field Communication (NFC) represents the future of Mobile Technology. One of the main strengths of this technology is the possibility to enable smartphones and other mobile devices to become Mobile Wallet, simplifying and enhancing the user experience. In this paper we describe an application for Android smartphone, called NFC Smart Tourist Card, offering a wide range of services: information supply, mobile payment, mobile ticketing, device pairing, location based services, access authorization, management of loyalty, bonus and membership cards. This study has specific value for academics working in the field of Mobile Information Systems with practical implications for telecommunication operators and/or other companies interested in developing and selling mobile services for tourism 2.0.