“World mind” in the form of Google Maps can give tourists and residents of unremarkable places surprises. The publication Cellularnews tells how, due to a Google Maps error, numerous tourists unexpectedly flooded a tiny village in Norway. Although at first, the residents were completely unprepared for such a sensational demand, because the tourists ate all the food and drank all the water in the local cafes, but still this surprise turned out to be a benefit for both parties.
The small village of Fossmork was “victimized” by this mistake, which was suddenly filled with confused tourists. Tourists wanted to visit the world-famous Prekestulen hiking trail (the “Preacher’s Cathedral” with its famous stone over the chasm), but Google Maps misled them.
As a result, the mistake had unintended consequences for a small Norwegian village.
Fosmork, with a population of only 100, was ill-prepared for the sudden influx of visitors. The narrow streets were jammed with rental cars and tour buses. Local businesses, unaccustomed to such a surge in foot traffic, were stretched to the limit. Restaurants ran out of food, accommodation was fully booked, and even the village’s water supply was quickly depleted.
However, as the publication states, having realized that this is for a long time, the inhabitants of the village began to adapt to the new reality. Some offered impromptu tours to disoriented tourists, while others set up tents selling homemade goods and souvenirs.
And it turned out for a long time. The “navigational confusion” that led tourists to Fosmork became widely known. As a result, tourists seeking “more authentic travel experiences” flocked to the village. As a result, the village invested in tourism infrastructure, improving roads, housing, and other facilities.