The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) in collaboration with PLDT wireless subsidiary Smart Communications and InnoPub Media launched a new mobile app designed to help tourists enjoy their stay in the country and a handy tool resource for students.
Called the KulTOURa app, it is a Philippine travel guide app that features information on heritage sites, historic schools and churches, nature parks, popular attractions, famous landmarks and other must-see places in various parts of the country. The app also contains colorful details of the history of selected cities and provinces, including their famous personalities, delicacies and other interesting trivia.
Present during the launch were NCCA Chairman Virgilio Almario, DOT Undersecretary for Oversight Function for Legislative Matters Falconi Millar, PLDT and Smart Public Affairs Group Head Ramon R. Isberto, Smart AVP/Head of Community Engagement and Partnerships Gabby R. Cui, InnoPub Media co-founder Max Limpag, and representatives from the National Parks Development Committee and the six attached cultural agencies.
Now Available as a free download for Android and iOS devices, the app is continuously being updated to provide more relevant content and encourage travelers to explore the country. It will soon offer other services such as a chat bot, which can give automated travel advice; allow users to take virtual tours; and enable purchases via a digital marketplace.
To enhance the tourist experience, Smart will also provide high-speed Wi-Fi and install quick response (QR) codes and NFC (near-field communications) chips on markers in selected areas to enable access to additional travel information via phone scan. Plus the deployment of high-speed Wi-Fi at tourist hubs available at airports, seaports, and transportation terminals all over the country, as well as in hangout places such as food parks, providing even more connectivity to mobile users on-the-go.
