On September 3, 2022, HONOR, a prominent technology brand, launched “Gateway to the Future,” an initiative aimed at enhancing cultural heritage via technology. Announced during the IFA 2022 keynote, this project invited two artists to creatively reinterpret Hamburg’s Wasserschloss, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, using augmented reality (AR). The initiative reflects the growing trend of hybrid tourism, encouraging artists globally to leverage innovations like AI and AR to foster community connections with cultural heritage and support tourism recovery.
George Zhao, CEO of HONOR Device Co., Ltd., emphasized the company’s dedication to creating technology that enables individuals to explore cultural treasures and envision future possibilities. He noted the potential of AR and AI in crafting immersive experiences that blend physical and digital realms, particularly benefiting the tourism sector.

HONOR chose Hamburg, known as Germany’s “Gateway to the World,” to pilot this project, inspired by the city’s history and commitment to innovation. Collaborating with ARLOOPA and artists Yunuene and Timo Helgert, HONOR brought AR to life by transforming the Wasserschloss. Yunuene’s work, “Sailing Through Time,” celebrates the evolution of marine logistics, while Helgert’s piece, “Blooming Future,” imagines a greener future for the landmark.

The AR experiences are designed to enhance hybrid tourism, a trend that gained momentum post-pandemic, allowing travelers to interact with culture in innovative ways. These experiences can be accessed through the ARLOOPA app, enabling users to engage with the artworks both onsite in Hamburg and globally. The project aims not only to celebrate Hamburg’s heritage but also to inspire creative talents worldwide to reimagine their communities through technology