LITTLE ROCK, AR--(Marketwire - October 16, 2009) - The
Arkansas Department of Parks and
Tourism has embraced cutting edge technology by utilizing the latest in
mobile linking software. On Oct. 1, 2009, the Tourism Division introduced
Quick Response (QR) codes into all social marketing efforts. QR codes, or
mobile tagging, allow visitors to take advantage of URL shortcuts to travel
information on travel in The Natural State. QR code technology originated
in Japan in the late 1990s and is primarily used in the promotion of retail
products. American businesses are starting to realize the benefits of using
mobile tagging applications. Recently QR codes appeared on billboards in
New York City's Times Square, and were seen on the scoreboard during an NFL
football game.
QR Code Technology: How It Works
This code uses two-dimensional graphics to form a bar code image.
Information such as Web addresses, text, pictures, and maps are encrypted
into the image. This image, a black and white patterned square, is placed
in the print or Internet advertisement. Consumers scan the image via a
mobile smart phone, using free code reading software such as BeeTagg or QR
APP. The scan opens a Web page. The link is then saved into the software's
memory for future use, allowing vacationers to easily reference Arkansas
tourism and destination information while traveling.
In the United States, this mobile tagging application has primarily been
used by the retail industry as a means of offering discounts or supplying
specific product information. However, some cities have started using the
system for directional maps and informational signs. Recently, the airline
industry started realizing mobile tagging technology as an alternative to
paper boarding passes, believing it will speed up the check-in processes.
Several airlines are now offering this paperless option.
The Arkansas Tourism Division is now using these codes to create shortcut
links to various Arkansas.com pages and niche Web sites, scenic driving
ideas, and maps. "The possibilities are endless," said Joe David Rice,
Director of Tourism for the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. Codes
have already been created to link suggested driving routes and day trips
for the "would be" traveler. One code directly links consumers to fall
foliage updates.
Arkansas.com can
still be browsed for information from a personal computer, but now offers a
quick reference shortcut via a mobile phone.
"We are minimizing some of the stress associated with vacation planning,"
said Rice.
Arkansas.com already
offers driving routes, itineraries, maps, city dining and lodging
information, and hot deals and packages, but a visitor must know the URL
code or click through several pages to find that information. QR codes have
been created for these niche sites to offer a direct path to this
information. "This mobile shortcutting method will enhance the already
interactive, marketing initiatives and make everything more efficient,"
said Rice.
The codes not only make travel planning less time consuming, but they
convert print media into an interactive experience. Consumers can see a
beautiful advertisement in a magazine, newspaper, or brochure, scan the
code and be connected to a Web site where they can search for more
information.
By utilizing QR codes technology, the department blends mainstream
marketing efforts with immediate electronic information. "It's simple. You
see an ad, you scan the code, and a world of information is at your
fingertips. Arkansas is taking the consumer from print to Internet in one
click," said Dena Woerner, Communications Manager for the Arkansas
Department of Parks and Tourism. "We are very excited about this new
information offering. Arkansas is on the forefront of using technology to
increase visitor awareness."
Submitted by the Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism
One Capitol Mall, Little Rock, AR 72201, 501-682-7606
E-mail: info@arkansas.com
May be used without permission. Credit line is appreciated:
"Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism"
Contact Information: CONTACT:
Dena Woerner
Communications Manager
501-682-7606
