The GSM Association and the city of Barcelona have chosen France-based NFC specialist Connecthings to implement a series of NFC “smart access points” around Barcelona during the 2013 Mobile World Congress.

The NFC access points are part of plans by the GSMA to heavily promote NFC during the event, under the “NFC Experience” banner. Delegates attending the conference will also be able to make payments via NFC in the Mobile World Congress venue and around the city of Barcelona.

The smart access points include smart posters, each containing fifty NFC tags, that will be located around the Mobile World Congress venue. An NFC tag-based guided tourist route will also be established at nine key sites in Barcelona, including La Sagrada Familia and the Picasso Museum.

Interactive welcome posters will also be placed at Barcelona airport. “This will enable everyone to have access to information relevant to their visit to the exhibition and the city,” says Connecthings. Tapping an NFC phone to the posters will allow access to a welcome video from the mayor, a presentation on Barcelona and information on access to the Mobile World Congress site.

“To make this new experience possible, Connecthings builds on its AdTag platform, a tag and contactless services management solution with unique capabilities,” the supplier says. “This cloud-based tool allows to optimally and dynamically deliver a wide range of mobiles services on every type of NFC handset: contextualized pages, campaign management, analytics tools and, since the latest release, couponing features.”

“With Connecthings approach, we are now directly connected with our visitors, where and when it is most relevant to them,” says Anna Majo Crespo, director of strategic sectors and innovation at Barcelona City Council. “Tags at the airport allow us to emphasize the set of practical services provided to the congress attendees upon their immediate arrival. The city is really enthusiastic and is delighted to collaborate with Connecthings.”

Connecthings’ platform will be showcased in the NFC Centre (NFC Pod 3) during the Mobile World Congress.

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