Colorado-based VisitMobile, Inc. is bringing the world of destination travel smartphone apps to a whole new level with the introduction of their Mobile ConciergeTM solution. Mimicking a real destination concierge, Mobile Concierge provides convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs), destination marketing organizations (DMOs) and business improvement districts (BIDs) with a customized smartphone app that delivers real-time trusted advice and insider knowledge at the in-destination visitor’s point of need.

“Mobile Concierge is fundamentally different than simply creating a destination guide app or a mobile optimized version of a destination’s existing website” said VisitMobile CEO Jeff Kohn. “Visitors who are already in the destination, need information in a completely different format than those who are planning a future trip. Mobile Concierge uses a powerful GPS Relevancy Engine loaded with expert local content and multimedia to help the in-market visitor decide ‘what to do next,’ make instant reservations or ticket purchases, and access insider deals.”

In addition to enhancing the visitor’s experience, the Mobile Concierge solution provides an ongoing revenue stream for the DMO and proves delivered value to merchant stakeholders with detailed usage analytics. VisitMobile’s innovative approach to destination mobile marketing is so revolutionary, it garnered the prestigious Platinum Adrian Award from the HSMAI (Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International) in January 2011 for Napa Valley’s Mobile Concierge.

VisitMobile is a dream solution for DMOs, resorts and even college campuses looking to take back control of the conversation with the in-destination visitor. With the popularity of unofficial destination apps and mobile search engines, research shows that less than 20 percent of visitors return to the destination’s website for local information after they arrive into a destination.

Continues Kohn, “CVBs and DMOs spend tens of thousands of dollars on mass media and websites to attract guests to their destination, but they lose control of the guest’s experience once they arrive. VisitMobile’s Mobile Concierge allows local authorities to continue interacting with visitors in a way that benefits the guest and maximizes revenue for a destination’s merchant partners.”

Even better than a stationary hotel concierge desk, the trusted Mobile Concierge is always on hand as the guest explores the destination, and is ready to answer their question, “I’m right here, now what should I do?” Mobile Concierge bridges GPS map-based navigation and time-based, hyper-local content to help both leisure and business travelers to discover nearby and timely events, attractions, dining, shopping, special offers and more. Whether a visitor has an iPhone, Blackberry or Android device, Mobile Concierge is available for every platform.

Mobile Concierge is not just affordable; it’s incredibly easy for the destination to manage. To avoid duplicate manual data entry, the solution is designed to update content continuously from the destination’s existing website or database. With the added benefit of trackable metrics for merchants and opportunities to create offset advertising revenue for the DMO, Mobile Concierge is a “win-win-win” for DMOs, members and visitors.

Destinations and clients already experiencing success with VisitMobile’s Mobile Concierge include Napa Valley, Steamboat Ski Resort, Keystone Colorado, Destination Halifax (Nova Scotia, Canada) and Flatiron Meal Plan, the student meal plan for University of Colorado, Boulder. Other VisitMobile clients that are in the process of deploying their custom Mobile Concierge are Downtown Denver Partnership, Cherry Creek North (Colo.), Boulder Weekly (Colo.), Southern Idaho Tourism, Rocky Mountain Meal Plan (Ft. Collins, Colo.) and Visit Aurora (Colo.).

City.Mobi

To find out all the latest news and information whilst in your favourite city via your mobile, City.Mobi has launched new mobile city guides.

London.mobi is the latest in this illustrious line up, offering click to call functionality – which means no scribbling down telephone numbers.

City.Mobi offers the most comprehensive mobile travel guides available, with over 800 cities in 200 countries listed. Each is developed by the City.Mobi team to combine into a single global travel directory.

However, each city retains its own mobile identity via a dedicated domain. Already on offer are Brussels.Mobi, Paris.Mobi, Sanfrancisco.Mobi and Sydney.Mobi.

Most entries are also linked to websites where users can quickly access more detailed information if needed.

Other key features include information on accommodation, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and transport.

City.Mobi guides include user reviews and traveller utilities such as a translation guide, currency converter, news and local weather guide.