"Our team is always at the forefront of spotting gaps for innovative technology for the tourist market and we spotted a distinct gap in the market for offline maps with localised content when the traveller needs it most, without the need for international roaming or Wi-Fi connectivity. With this week's launch, we aim to fill this niche," says Mark Allewell, CEO of Tourism Radio and Hummba.com.
He founded the company in 2005, which was bought by a European venture capitalist in 2006 and expanded to Namibia, Spain and New Zealand.
The app and Hummba.com share the functionality of downloading audio travel guides from internet-based app stores. Where the applications differ is that Hummba.com comes with other features, such as the ability to create then share mobile and/or web-based content, play guides, share experiences (termed 'routes footprints') and images (termed 'breadcrumbs').
The Tourism Radio device, once inserted into a vehicle's cigarette lighter, uses an integrated GPS system to pinpoint the vehicle's location. Pre-recorded information of use to travellers is broadcast via the device to the radio, which includes history and anecdotes about the surroundings.
Similarly, the new app provides a free, on-board tourist guide that highlights points of interest and focuses on various routes of interest to the traveller.
This year, the company's annual corporate social investment initiative was a recent donation of MP3 players to Tafelsig High School learners in Mitchells Plain. The MP3 players will be used for learners studying Tourism, offering what the acting principal Clarence Rogers refers to as, "a beacon of hope for learners and teachers, showing that they are not forgotten."
For more, go to [www.tourismradio.co.za.
