What’s it worth if all the information isn’t at your fingertips, especially when it comes to wine and food?
In a recognition of that credo, as much as the times, VisitVineyards.com has launched an iPhone app that brings its rich content to travellers. The online wine and food travel guide was once called “Australia’s most comprehensive guide to regional wine, food and travel guide” by the Mornington Peninsula and received several other encomiums for blazing a new trail in this realm.
So, the development of the app is in keeping with its reputation as a new media pioneer.
The free iPhone app allows users to locate thousands of vineyards and cellar doors, restaurants, food producers and sellers, markets, accommodation options, and more, across every state in Australia. Download app here.
Founder-CEO Robyn Lewis says user behaviour was the single most important reason she built the iPhone app. About 10% of the traffic to VisitVineyards.com was coming from mobile devices – “despite the fact that our website wasn’t purpose built as a mobile site.“ Besides, the vast majority of users was using the iPhone or iPad. So much so, traffic from Apple’s iconic devices has trebled this year. Still, Lewis says she is considering apps for Android and other mobile devices.
Promos with Whitsundays, Tasmania holidays
VisitVineyards, based in North Hobart, Tasmania, has launched the app in conjunction with a promotion of two Australian regions that have suffered in the recent adverse weather events and downturn – the Whitsundays in North Queensland, which is offering a 10-day holiday experience for two, and Tasmania, where a seven-day holiday package for two is up for grabs.
Australian Tourism Export Council Chairman John King hailed VisitVineyards’ initiative, saying it’s imperative that the industry continues to move with technology.
“Consumers increasingly want access to travel experiences on the go, and this type of initiative is vital in meeting that consumer demand for a richer food and wine travel experience, and for linking particular experiences to visitors who are seeking them,” said King.
“We must take advantage of the technology available to increase tourism to regional Australia. VisitVineyards.com is to be commended for developing this nationwide app, and in doing so driving much needed tourism to the regions, and specifically directly to those small wine and food producers and growers who need it most.”
Started in 2008, VisitVineyards claims to be Australia’s first and largest online guide for wine and food travellers. Over the past three years, it has attracted nearly 40,000 subscribers and brings together more than 30,000 wine, food and travel providers across every Australian region. The site also boasts a team of writers across Australia and international ones such as the world-renowned wine writer Jancis Robinson, MBE.
