New app aims to get more tourists to ‘Visit Westmeath’
If you’ve ever tired of telling people the many reasons they should visit Westmeath, the good news is that there is now an app that will do just that for you.
The new Visit Westmeath Tourism and Heritage App was launched last Tuesday, September 28, by Westmeath County Council.
“It will make it easier for visitors to plan their trip to Westmeath and encourage them to explore more while they are here,” said Pat Gallagher, chief executive of Westmeath County Council, at the launch, which took place online via Visit Westmeath Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
He added that the council is proud of the app, which is now available to download free on Apple and Android devices.
Along with information on things to see and do in the county, the app lists accommodation and restaurants which can be searched alphabetically or by map.
It also includes a ‘Near Me’ feature so that visitors can find attractions, accommodation, restaurants and heritage sites by their location. App users can also save their favourites and view them on a map when planning their visit to Westmeath. A quick share button facilitates easy sharing of favourites to Instagram.
New photo and video content has also been developed and is being added to the app and social media pages to spotlight the county.
Several of the heritage sites feature soundbites narrated by award-winning radio presenter, Ann Marie Kelly.
Scripts for the soundbites were prepared by travel writer, Nicola Brady, known for her features in the Irish Independent, CNN Travel and The Independent UK.
Westmeath heritage officer Melanie McQuade said: “The app allows visitors to access information about our heritage and tourism sites while they are on the go.”
Links to relevant websites provide plenty of opportunities for app users to find out further information about the county.
The cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, Cllr Frankie Keena, said Westmeath has a marvellous range of tourism hotspots throughout the county to satisfy the needs of all ages.
“First impressions mean a lot to the tourist, so I warmly welcome this Visit Westmeath Tourism and Heritage App,” he said, adding that the fact that it is user friendly, informative, colourful and interesting will make it a big hit with visiting tourists.
The hope of all involved is, he said, that they will spread the word to their families and friends. The new app supplements the county tourism website (visitwestmeath.ie), social media marketing activity, brochures and exhibition materials in promoting the county’s tourism and heritage assets.
“Tourism businesses who feature in the app are invited to check their listing and let us know of any changes or updates required,” said Úna Doris, Westmeath County Council’s tourism officer.
Any tourism business or heritage attraction who wishes to be included in the new app, Visit Westmeath website or other promotional activities, should email tourism@westmeathcoco.ie.
The app was developed by local app development company, Townapps.
The project was funded through the Department of Rural and Community Development in Partnership with Westmeath County Council under the Town and Village Accelerated Measure 2020.