A new translation app, aimed at the tourism and attractions industries, has launched.

Called Papillon Translations, the app is designed to enhance the visitor experiences in museums, art galleries and heritage sites, by offering foreign language commentaries for key exhibits.

Visitors simply download the app on to their device and scan QR codes to bring up a written description in the relevant language. Users can also scan images, such as paintings, without the need for QR codes, providing full functionality without changing the visual aesthetic of a space.

As well as written messages, including a dyslexia-friendly font, Papillon also provides audio options in more than 250 different language options, with more than 15,000 translators, having contributed to the app in 172 languages.

Users can also save their favourite images from the venue, enabling them to continue their experience after they've returned home.

It has already been implemented at the World of James Herriot museum in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, as well as Bedern Hall, a historic site in York, operated by the York's Museum Trust, and plans to roll out at a number of other venues across the UK.

"This is a great service for our visitors," said Ian Ashton, MD at the World of James Herriott.

"Around 35 per cent of people who visit the World of James Herriott are from overseas and appreciate the experience and the improvement in knowledge it brings."

For operators the app provides valuable insight into their guests and experiences, with the app providing data on visitor demographic and the exhibits they've engaged with. It can also be used to drive growth for those targeting overseas visitors.

Steve Kent, MD of Papillon Translations, said: "We've spent a lot of time ensuring that the app is fully fit for purpose and now have a fantastic product that will make a real difference to the user experiences that museums and other such venues can offer their visitors."

"There's nothing like this system on the market at the moment and the feedback we're getting on how well-recevived it has been is extremely encouraging," Kent added.