BT Helps To Launch First Touchscreen Wi-Fi Kiosks for Tourists in Scotland
7/25/05 - Visitors to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park will be the first to access up-to-the-minute online information via a new network of interactive information kiosks, thanks to a joint initiative between BT Multimedia Solutions, Scottish Enterprise and the National Park Authority.
The terminals have been installed across the Loch Lomond National Park to improve the current provision of services and information for visitors. Users can access a range of services, such as instant travel information and weather forecasts, and on some kiosks, send video clips and emails back home. The initiative is the first of its kind in Scotland and is part of the Scottish Executive’s “Broadband Enablement” programme. In addition, the project provides key sites with WiFi technology, creating wireless broadband hotspots for visitor use.
The sites of the kiosks have been carefully chosen for ease of access and to avoid any impact on the landscape. Former BT phone boxes have been upgraded to house the terminals, utilising BT’s existing infrastructure in the area. A further seven touchscreen display units have been fitted behind the glass windows of shops and visitor centres around the park, making use of BT’s innovative, thru-glass technology.
If successful the scheme will be rolled out to other National Parks in Scotland, and across England and Wales.
Dave Anderson, chief executive of Scottish Enterprise Dunbartonshire, said: “Tourism is an important source of wealth and employment for Scotland. In partnership with BT and the National Park Authority, we are launching a new approach to visitor information and services that is especially well suited to rural areas, and in keeping with the increasing demands of modern tourists for access to online services.
“We want to encourage more people from the UK and beyond to visit Scotland and its national parks and we are confident these new multimedia kiosks will improve access and enhance visitor experience. Broadband allows a rich mix of content to be offered and businesses within the National Park will be able to take advantage of high speed connectivity to reach wider audiences and offer new products and services.”
Julian Turner, head of BT Multimedia Solutions, said: “BT has worked in close consultation with Scottish Enterprise and the National Park Authority to deliver a solution that will help to increase tourism in the area, whilst respecting the natural beauty of the environment. At a time when tourism boards are looking for cost-effective, customer-focused ways to improve access to services, we are confident that the scheme in Loch Lomond will be a success and we look forward to rolling out similar schemes across the UK.”
By Robert Hoskins
Bbwexchange