Write a commentThe local tourism industry has high hopes following the launch of an innovative iPhone app on Friday. The app was funded and managed by Paul O’Sullivan and Bill Tosh of Carlingford Ferries, and is designed boost the tourism offering throughout the Carlingford Lough region.
Charlie Casey, Mayor of Newry and Mourne District Council congratulated Carlingford Ferries on their foresight to build a tourism app which could showcase the outstanding scenery and wealth of tourism activites, attractions, events and accommodation in the area. “The joining up of the area of outstanding natural beauty on Irelands East Coast, promoting its destinations and attractions imaginatively, would do much to deliver both economic growth and new jobs in the Region”, the Mayor stated. “The use of mobile technology to integrate with social media such as Facebook can greatly spread the viral promotion of Carlingford Lough and the surrounding tourism industry. This area is renowned for its’ scenic qualities and the areas of outstanding natural beauty with the Mournes, Cooley Penninsula and Slieve Gullion area. Our tourism offering has much to offer in terms of visitor attractions, activities, events, accommodation providers, retailers, crafts, café’s and restaurants.”, Mr Casey added.
Announcing this innovative tool Paul O’Sullivan of Carlingford Ferries revealed that the need for the app became clear during an extensive visitor survey of over 3000 surveys of visitors in the joint catchment area to test the appetite for the proposed ferry link, a constant issue emerged which was: “Yes, I’ve heard of a that destination or attraction on the other side of the Lough, but where exactly is it?” Paul said this was the key driver for developing this new App, which can be downloaded from the Apple App store or directly via www.iguidecarlingfordmourne.com
Hospitality Providers from Mournes and Cooley area joined many local representatives at the public launch in Bagenals Castle Newry on Friday to hear Derick Murphy of iGuide Ireland demonstrate the range of functionality which the App can deploy to bring real-time information and value to visitors on the move or considering a visit. Derick was able to cite iGuides experience in major destinations such as Brighton, Dublin and Philadelphia where destination Apps are well established. All key related words are embedded in to this App so, for example, if a visitor looks up Cranfield this App pops up.
The App allows businesses to place information and offers to give visitors up to the minute choices. Derick showed how the Geo-Location facility would allow someone to find a service, accommodation or an event taking place that day and guide or create a seamless telephone contact with it to book or ask for more info. He also demonstrated the Augmented Reality feature which allows visitors to point their screens at land or streetscapes and be shown on screen, all the destinations and details of what they are or what’s actually going on at that point.
Derick showed how valuable it will be to promote events by pushing out notice of every event in the region such as the Blues on the Bay or Medieval Week festivals, where the Facebook and Twitter activity provide the viral links.
Tom McArdle of Carlingford AC asked is it was possible to upload video links of his outdoor pursuits. Derick explained that businesses could add images and videos of their business to supplement their business description. Carlingford Ferries now have a dedicated support in place to work with listed providers who wish to use its more dynamic capability. Pamela Houston of Kilkeel TIC welcomed the App indicating the app would allow users to publicize specific events or activities such as cookery classes. It could also survey visitors to find what else was on their wish lists – all in real time. James Byrne of Carlingford Accomodation advised he’d be sending his data base an SMS advising they upload this free App. The lunch served was made entirely of local products served by Colm McAvoy from the Whistledown Hotel, who suggested the app could help focus on the areas quality food produce and catering industry.
