20 May 2004
DOHA: Officials from the local hotels and tour operators were given a glimpse into the future of tourism at a presentation and workshop on Global Positioning System (GPS) guided tours, conducted by the Qatar Tourism Authority recently, a QTA spokesman said yesterday.
“World Habitat Society, a provider of environmental services, gave the presentation on the benefits of GPS to environmentally sustainable tourism development. The group was also invited to a field trip in the Zekreet peninsula, to explore the practical applications of GPS guided tours. By using this system, waypoints can be determined using a GPS device that guides tourists who are tracking or hiking in the desert, countryside or in the city.
“Points of interest such as geographical formations, flora and fauna and historical or cultural sites as well as facilities such as litter drops and toilets can be identified by their GPS coordinates, using this sytem,” he said.
“Since the use of GPS based tourist applications is fast growing, especially in countries of potential tourist’s origins, its market value is often underestimated in relation to its advantages, particularly in natural and desert adventure.
“The aspect of adventure plays a major role in terms of GPS use while exploring new territories” a spokesman for World Habitat Society said.
“Using a platform such as the Internet, GPS users can also download ‘routes’ or suggested itineraries. A list of waypoints from the Internet, with information about the points of interest, can be downloaded directly into the device to guide tourists.
“The GPS device is useful since it can lead the tourists to places of ecological value and can as a result create awareness of the areas flora and fauna. It can help minimise the impact on the environment by helping in tour rotation, allowing old tracks to recover,” he added.
DOHA: Officials from the local hotels and tour operators were given a glimpse into the future of tourism at a presentation and workshop on Global Positioning System (GPS) guided tours, conducted by the Qatar Tourism Authority recently, a QTA spokesman said yesterday.
“World Habitat Society, a provider of environmental services, gave the presentation on the benefits of GPS to environmentally sustainable tourism development. The group was also invited to a field trip in the Zekreet peninsula, to explore the practical applications of GPS guided tours. By using this system, waypoints can be determined using a GPS device that guides tourists who are tracking or hiking in the desert, countryside or in the city.
“Points of interest such as geographical formations, flora and fauna and historical or cultural sites as well as facilities such as litter drops and toilets can be identified by their GPS coordinates, using this sytem,” he said.
“Since the use of GPS based tourist applications is fast growing, especially in countries of potential tourist’s origins, its market value is often underestimated in relation to its advantages, particularly in natural and desert adventure.
“The aspect of adventure plays a major role in terms of GPS use while exploring new territories” a spokesman for World Habitat Society said.
“Using a platform such as the Internet, GPS users can also download ‘routes’ or suggested itineraries. A list of waypoints from the Internet, with information about the points of interest, can be downloaded directly into the device to guide tourists.
“The GPS device is useful since it can lead the tourists to places of ecological value and can as a result create awareness of the areas flora and fauna. It can help minimise the impact on the environment by helping in tour rotation, allowing old tracks to recover,” he added.
© The Peninsula 2004
