Travel Wisconsin iPhone app (Image: Wisconsin Department of Tourism)
Meandering your way around Wisconsin? There’s an app for that.
The Wisconsin Tourism Department’s first iPhone application helps users explore the state. Director of Marketing, Janet DesChenes (deh-SHANE’), says it’s a great tool for travelers, and it complements the agency’s mission, which is to market Wisconsin as a tourism destination. “What we wanted to do was extend the data base that we have underneath TravelWisconsin.com, which is our website, and get that information into the hands of people as they travel around the state.”
DesChenes says the free software works with the GPS feature on the iPhone to find the nearest attractions, events, dining and accommodations. “The app, when you launch it, will actually recognize where you are in the state, and it brings up a very simple menu for you to drill down through for what you’re looking for. So, if you’re looking for lodging or events or a museum to go to, it’ll tell you how far away you are for each of the things you’re looking for.”
DesChenes says the tourism department relies on an entire state of people and businesses to submit up-to-date information to the data base. Business owners can contact the tourism folks either directly, through the local chamber of commerce, the visitors bureau, or via facebook. The department spent $50,000 in development expenses for the new app, which DesChenes calls an “investment” in potential future technologies for other smart phones.
There have been requests, but no immediate plans, for an Android version of the Travel Wisconsin iPhone app, which is a FREE download from Apple’s iTunes Store.