The Department of Tourism has spent R6.7 million on the development of three hi-tech Visitor Information Centres (VIC) in preparation for the 2010 Fifa World Cup.
The centres, which are located in Nelson Mandela Bay, Port Elizabeth, are aimed at giving tourism authorities and visitors easy access to tourism facilities and attractions in the area.
Tourism minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk says that, with over 300 days until the start of the World Cup, the centres will improve local tourism by enhancing service excellence, growing tourism and creating opportunities for local economic development.
"The model for these centres is based on the best international practice and they will assist our tourism authorities in providing outstanding service to tourists, as well as other stakeholders. With the launch of these facilities, we are taking another step in the process to hosting a world-class event next year, which all South Africans can be proud of," Van Schalkwyk says.
As part of the national VIC project, centres are being rolled out in five host cities: Port Elizabeth, Polokwane, Nelspruit, Rustenburg and Bloemfontein.
The three centres will make use of touch-screens linked to a central database to cater for any tourist information requirements. In addition, plasma screens display the tourism products on offer and the advertisements of local businesses. The centres will also have information officers at the main desk, free Internet access and an online booking system.
International standards
The minister notes the VICs were developed in line with international best practice, following a feasibility study and host city needs analysis.
He also notes the IT component of the project was critical, as one of the key objectives was the development of a cost-effective information and reservation system. The department states that, using international best practice, a new visitors` information system - Visitor Information Centres Enterprise Network Systems - was developed.
The system allows users to plan and finalise a travel itinerary by means of touch-screens and Web-based technology. It also offers tourists their own unique itinerary, which is accessible from anywhere in the world.
Seamless travel
Van Schalkwyk explains the rationale behind the IT system was to integrate and standardise the technology component throughout the country to allow the visitor to have a seamless travel experience. It will also afford the tourist the ability to access information from any location in one of the five host cities.
"The information and reservation system used in the centres was developed in SA and is designed to cater specifically for the South African market. It has the same functionality as much more expensive international systems. The local system will allow for more participation by the members of tourism authorities, smaller establishments and SMMEs," he says.
Van Schalkwyk adds that smaller businesses will for the first time have access to a centralised, standardised and affordable reservation system. It will provide SMMEs with the opportunity to become members of a tourism organisation and be integrated into the tourism value chain. Members will be able to update and control their reservation system, in turn providing up to the minute information to tourists.
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