Girona to count number of tourists and map their routes across Old Town

One sheep, two sheep, three sheep… and asleep.

But no, this time, no one is counting sheep as a sleep technique. Girona's Old Town, part of the Game of Thrones landscape and one of the most unique Medieval areas of Catalonia, will start counting its tourists.

Local authorities have implemented a sensor network that will count the number of visitors around the Barri Vell and map their routes across the city using mobile devices. In total, nine devices, using mobile phone signals, can count whether those walking around are Girona locals or visitors.

The devices can also differentiate if the person walking around is spending the night in the city or just visiting for some hours.

The network will gather all anonymous data during one year, which will allow local authorities to manage and control visitors. "We will be able to adapt events to see if one area needs more promotion than another and to improve the balance between locals and visitors," Gemma Geis, deputy mayor of Girona, told the Catalan News Agency (ACN).

There are sensors at the Barri Vell, Independència Square, Santa Clara Street, and Catalunya Square, among other sites. There are also some at the History Museum and the Tourism Office in La Rambla.

The network will be operational not only in summer but all year round, including Girona's Temps de Flors flower festival. "Knowing the routes people take per day and hour will also allow local authorities to adapt events so residents' daily lives can be more compatible with visitors," Geis said.

All sensors started operating in June and will be in place until May after investing €20,524.64.