GilgitGhoomo

Abstract

The GilgitGhoomo mobile application that answers the need for easy access to credible hotel bookings services in Gilgit Baltistan was developed in response to the rising demands for tourism, especially with focus on the Hunza region that is particularly popular among tourists. However, the no internet connection and also absence of information regarding the currently developing systems for bookings may raise severe issues although the area seems very promising from the environmental perspective. Finding reasonably good places to stay is usually not an easy task when traveling; the local companies are not visible to potential consumers. The idea presented here is an attempt to provide a local solution, using the Airbnb idea. It provides an environment that easily enables a local owner of a guesthouse to showcase their homes and for a traveller to search and book a place to stay. Besides, booking lodging, the app will contain such conveniences as the secure payment form; the data about the current weather; and info’s about the available options for entertainment. The present application is made using Visual Studio, and the above project will also support Android devices. For the back-end part, the data will be stored in MongoDB and location-based services will be provided with the help of Google Map API. The app will have the feature of user registration and account management for security and user customization. The app will at first only be operational in Hunza but can be expanded into other valleys in Gilgit Baltistan including Skardu, Astore, and Ghizer in future. Other functionalities like Localization, Advanced Recommendations, Voice Interface, will be incorporated as a part of the future. The purpose of this project is to increase local businesses’ influence, improve the tourist experience and overall socioeconomic development of the area with the help of an effective and easily usable tourism website.