Mobile-based services to drive Kerala Tourism

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Tourism turned a new leaf on Tuesday creating a first in the country by integrating a new set of mobile-based services and IT-driven projects to profile tourist destinations of all hues across the state and also listing out the services available and connectivity. Intended to spread the contours of the state and enable tourists to track it without the help of external guides, the whole initiative is set to enhance the pleasant stay of tourists coming to Kerala with a novel supportive system in line with the advance in mobile technology.

Launching the services, Tourism Minister A P Anil Kumar hoped that the state would soon emerge as a destination more sought-after than in the past with a traveller having all information he wanted on his fingertips. “Marketing is a key factor in tourism promotion. It is yet another start,’’ he said.

A Wireless Access Platform (WAP) site, with all the features of Kerala Tourism website will be extended to the travellers who intend to stay connected with their smart phones across the state. Mob WAP Guide is another service wherein a mobile with WAP guide can replace the conventional tourist guides.

Mobile Apps is another feature with two mobile apps catering to the need of IOS and Android, currently the most sought-after mobile operating systems. The smart phone identifies the location and shows the tourists things around. Likewise, features like `Places of Interest’ or `Tourist Guide’ are an option that offer the tourists the interesting travel spots within Kerala. There is a tour planner too, based on the timings, locations and interests.

Another feature is the continuous tourism updates in line with the information on the tourism website and events. There is also share option where the traveller can share pictures and messages with the dear ones in real time.

Bluetooth Kiosks have also been arranged as another pioneering step to provide real-time information to the tourists landing in Kerala. The Bluetooth Kiosks, to be set up at key places such as the international airports, will provide comprehensive information about Kerala and its tourism at their finger tips.

Tourism Secretary Suman Billa welcomed the gathering.Tourism director Rani George, KTDC chairman Vijayan Thomas, Tourism sector firm honchos E M Najeeb, Riyaz Ahemed and others spoke on the occasion.