Thursday, 24 October 2013

New Mobile Website Notches Up Another Win For SA Tourism

The new South Australian Tourism Commission smartphone friendly website has won the travel section of the 2013 Australian Mobile Awards, edging out Telstra and Destination NSW for the top gong.

The Australian Mobile Awards, held in Sydney, celebrate creativity and innovation in mobile phone related marketing.

The win comes on top of last week's massive win when the Barossa. Be Consumed advertisement was named the best ad in the world at the Cannes Corporate Media and TV Awards.

Tourism Minister, Leon Bignell, said the new site was easy to use and enabled visitors to research attractions, book accommodation and restaurants, get directions and recommend places via social media.

"This is a great result for our Government which is working hard with the tourism sector to sell our beautiful State," Mr Bignell said.

"With more tourists heading online to research and book their holidays it is vital that we have a strong online presence.

"More than 80 per cent of travellers head online to research and book their travel. Consumer behaviour has changed significantly and the government is keeping pace with that change."

The judges concluded the website: "demonstrates the South Australian Tourism Commission's understanding of the public's growing expectation to use technology to discover what's around them."

The site utilises standard swipe style navigation found on touch screen devices allowing the user to discover more about South Australia's regions.

Each map is integrated with the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse which gives the user access to accommodation, tours and attractions, food and cellar doors.

Tourism information is displayed on an interactive map and users can select more information such as accommodation, events, sights, experiences, dining or cellar doors.

Mr Bignell said it was vital to keep up with changing consumer behaviour and new technologies.

"Mobile traffic to www.southaustralia.com has doubled in the past 12 months and new information technologies like this are helping South Australia to become a leader in online tourism," he said.

"The new mobile site showcases each region with useful information and ideas to encourage visitors to explore South Australia."

The SATC is calling on tourism and food operators to register to feature on the new mobile state tourism site.

Operators who aren't currently listed can register for free with the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse by visiting www.tourism.sa.gov.au and clicking on the ATDW icon.

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