App-y days ahead for visitors to Scotland

TOURISM leaders claim Scotland can now boast the most sophisticated travel app in Europe after unveiling a new smartphone guide to the nation’s attractions and beauty spots.

More than 16,000 entries were included in the “Welcome to Scotland” app in time for its launch on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile yesterday.

GPS systems and pointing technology will allow the user to indentify nearby landmarks, businesses and historical sites simply by holding their smart phone or iPad in its direction.

Hundreds of offers at cafés, bars, restaurants, hotels and attractions will be updated daily, while the new service will be offered to tourism organisations and local marketing agencies.

Scotland has been broken down into 18 regional maps, with sections on each area featuring hundreds of dedicated entries. These can be pre-loaded on to a device so that the app can be used in areas without a phone signal and without incurring roaming charges.

It is claimed the app, which costs £2.99, will “revolutionise” the standard of information available to tourists on the move throughout Scotland.

VisitScotland, the national tourism agency, only has apps for specific campaigns, and has thrown its weight behind the “Welcome to Scotland” app, which has been developed by Highland tourism marketing company, Carrbridge-based Landmark Press, and an Irish technology firm, GeoGuides.

Alan Bird, project director at Landmark Press, said: “The app has taken 11 months to develop. It was challenging but we have produced something which has not been developed before.

“With the growing use of smartphones and the constant advance in technology we are providing an easy-to-use service adaptable for the future.

“One of the most valuable and unusual features is that all of its content and main map are pre-loaded. This means visitors can access the information wherever they are with no internet connection being required.

“This makes a huge difference because many of our most beautiful rural locations suffer from poor broadband and mobile data coverage. It also enables visitors from abroad to use the app on the go without risking expensive roaming charges.”

David Hayes, managing director at Landmark Press, which has provided welcome folders in Scotland’s hotels for more than 20 years, added: “This app has cost around £80,000 to produce but with the actual technology you are talking around £1 million over the years. Around half the people in the UK are expected to be using smart phones by the end of next year and that figure very much applies to overseas countries as well.

“At the moment the app is available in English, French and German, but the plan is to expand it into other languages over the next few months.”

Tourism minister Fergus Ewing said: “More and more people are using smart phones all the time and those who are visiting from overseas are expecting this kind of thing now.

“It has massive potential to generate new business for the industry by increasing visitor spend.

“This app is an excellent way of getting the most up-to-date and relevant information to visitors. It will enhance their experience by empowering them with the knowledge they need to have an unforgettable trip.”