Wednesday 05 November 2007

VISITORS TO BE "TRANSPORTED" BY HERITAGE HIGHWAY iWALK
The Minister for Tourism, Arts and the Environment, Paula Wriedt, invited interstate visitors and Tasmanians to “be transported” today when she launched an innovative audio tour of the Heritage Highway.

The Heritage Highway iWalk is an audio tour of seven towns that incorporates facts, sites, landmarks, points of interest, historic information and story-telling enhanced by cameos scripted from historical records.

“iWalk uses ‘theatre of the mind’ to transport visitors back in time,” Ms Wriedt said.

“Visitors will be able to download the tour from the internet before they leave home or pick up one at an information centre in Tasmania.

“Podcasts and mp3s are now part of everyday life and it is important we embrace this technology as part of our continuing growth of Tasmania as a tourist destination.

“We know from recent consumer research that our visitors want more from their holiday than just beautiful views.
“They come to engage with communities, and be engaged with intriguing tales of human endeavour.

“This product answers the needs of visitors who like to travel independently most of whom use mp3s and iPods.
“The traditional Lonely Planet or Rough Guide will be complimented by this digital initiative, bringing the Heritage Highway to life.

“iWalk will provide a greater depth and breadth of experience along the Heritage Highway, encouraging visitors to stay longer and spend more.”

The iWalk has been developed by iWalk Tours, with assistance from the Heritage Highway Tourism Region Association and Tourism Tasmania.

“With the announcement earlier this year of a $1.2 million State government commitment to the restoration of Callington Mill, the community of Oatlands and the entire Heritage Highway has every reason for optimism and pride,” Ms Wriedt said.

“iWalk will add to that by spreading the word about the Heritage Highway experience far and wide.”

For further information contact Tourism Tasmania's Communications Unit

(03) 6230 8244
email mediainfo@tourism.tas.gov.au