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Tap for information: Madikeri gets tourism kiosk [Mysuru] [Times of India](Times of India Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) MYSURU: If you are holidaying in Madikeri and want to know the must-see places or cuisine or its rich cultural fabric, just head to this touchscreen kiosk. All the information about the district is one tap away. The kiosk, a near-replica of the official website, has information in English and Kannada in both text and video formats. Kodagu tourism department, the district administration and a Bangalore-based software company have developed the kiosk, which chief minister Siddaramaiah inaugurated at the newly built district office complex in Madikeri on Monday. "Tourism department and the district administration should utilize IT resources to develop and boost tourism in this picturesque hill district," the CM said. Tourism department assistant director V Panish said the department has sent a proposal to the state government to extend this facility to all tourist destinations in Karnataka. "Using the kiosk, tourists can directly contact hotels, homestay facilities and other service providers," he said. The department also plans to set up Coorg House. Tourism authorities claim that such facilities will bring a unique brand identity to Kodagu. "Information kiosk will guide tourists about the ongoing cultural events, history, coffee plantations, festivals and local cuisine." "The project aims to develop a fully operational web portal service in five phases in two years. Work is on to develop apps for cellphones, iPad and tablets covering all tourist destinations in Karnataka. The current Android mobile application focuses only on Kodagu. It allows users to contact home stay owners, local artists, resorts and tour operators. Using this app, tourists can also book hotels and tickets for various events," Panish said. Tourism department and the district administration will provide an enriched tourism experience to visitors. The web portal service will also create jobs for locals, he added. The kiosk, a near-replica of the official website, has information in English and Kannada in both text and video formats. Tourism authorities claim that such facilities will bring a unique brand identity to Kodagu. (c) 2014 Bennett, Coleman & Company Limited |