Information and Sales update
The Information and Sales team continue to test new ways of working and to introduce improvements to the network of Tourist Information Centres and Information Points around Scotland. Technology is playing a key role in several new initiatives including an electronic what’s on guide, the testing of new IT equipment for remote use and a trial running over Hogmanay using mobile phones.
An electronic what’s on guide to local areas is being developed. The guide would be in a standard template, created by all network offices and Tourist Information Centres (TICs) and housed on visitscotland.org. There has been much interest in this idea among tourism businesses who would like to be able to view or print out a guide with information on local events or, for another area of Scotland. The intention is to run the pilot in Highlands and Fife in January and review the results in February.
Testing is now complete on different wireless devices in Ballater, Oban and Inverness. There are clear benefits to having wireless equipment as it provides great flexibility and can be used both in the Tourist Information Centres but also at external events. Identifying the most suitable technology is a priority in 2007 and this would include, where possible, trial and use at events which attract visitors. There are many factors to consider in deciding on the best equipment not least, geography, as the quality of signal varies a great deal in the 122 different locations within our network.
2006 finishes with an important trial in Edinburgh at the Hogmanay Party in the city centre. The trial will test the use of new technology via mobile phones and PDAs to get information to visitors (and residents). The provision of the information is free (but standard network charges apply) and visitors can subscribe via a dedicated website www.visitscotland.com/findit or simply text findit to 64118.
Four information menus are available for bars, restaurants, visitor attractions and top ten tips of things to see and do in and around the city. There is also a link to a weather update.
If the trial proves successful, this kind of technology will be rolled out more widely across Scotland in 2007.
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