Federal grant helped GPS audio guide study

Stephen Withers
Tuesday, 30 November 2010 16:00

Your IT - Mobility

The Commonwealth Government has helped to fund a feasibility study on the potential use of GPS based audio guides for tourists.

A $23,000 feasibility study to examine the potential of GPS based tourism guides in the Murraylands region of South Australia has been completed. Murraylands is the area along the Murray River from Morgan to Meningie.

$10,000 of the cost was being met by the Federal Government under the TQUAL grants program, which is intended to support initiatives that "develop innovative product, services or systems within the tourism industry; contribute directly to long-term economic development in the host region; [and] develop or support high quality visitor services and experiences."

Senator Nick Sherry, Federal Minister Assisting on Tourism, said the Murraylands project showed how the program was empowering local communities to develop their tourism industry.

Dana Wortley, Labor Senator for South Australia, congratulated local tourism operators on the completion of the study. "The feasibility study is forward thinking and looks at new ways to provide visitors with better services and information."

"I am sure if visitors have the opportunity to discover more of the history and attractions of the Murraylands region they will be keen to spend more time exploring this fascinating part of Australia," added Senator Wortley.

The study considered a number of delivery mechanisms, including hiring units from visitor centres, and offering downloadable maps, programs and mobile phone apps.