Tourism information just a phone number away

TOURISM KwaZulu Natal (TKZN) has launched South Africa's first ‘Telitourist’ facility. This service is based on cellular phone voice message technology to provide audio clip information on the core attractions, themes and regions of the province. James Seymour, TKZN's tourism information manager who was responsible for this project, stated that one of the most important challenges facing tourism marketing agencies is to constantly strive to create awareness of its product by reaching the largest possible audience in the most cost effective manner. Therefore, when TKZN was approached by Travelphone at the beginning of this year to establish a TeliTourist facility, it jumped at the opportunity, says Seymour. Similar services of this kind have just been launched in New York and London - the only other locations to offer such services. Seymour says that the initial service provides more than 150 voice clips of KwaZulu Natal regional information, Durban and Pietermaritzburg core attractions, thematic information (e.g. golfing, restaurants) and useful tourism tips and emergency information. These are accessed by dialling a Telitourist number and a specific service. The tourism authority will promote this service through a special brochure, which will be distributed through its information offices. In the case of attractions and walks, there will be a special sign with, the relevant Telitourist number placed at those attractions. This service will also be promoted on its network of websites and in other marketing material. (Adéle Mackenzie)