The Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration unveiled a “Smart Pattaya” smartphone application to guide tourists to popular area attractions.
DASTA project manager Thiti Janteangpol debuted the app, which is still under development with a budget of about 6 million baht, to the press at events on Jan. 24 and 30-31, giving media members a chance to try out its initial offerings.
Nattawith Amornwiwat, director for Tesco Co., which was hired as a consultant to develop the software, said a key to the app is the involvement of communities surrounding Pattaya.
DASTA has unveiled a “Smart Pattaya” smartphone application to guide tourists to popular area attractions.
The application shows DASTA routes connecting various cultural and environmental treasures in an effort promote sustainable tourism. Maps, videos and promotions also are included, with special offers becoming available when users “like” an attraction or business or leave comments on them.
It also offers weather forecasts, emergency numbers and the ability to download all the information for offline viewing.
Currently, the software developers are gathering information on attractions and sending staff to provide training for businesses regarding database preparation. DASTA is hoping to have 100 attractions and businesses listed when the app is released on the iOS App Store and the Google Play store.
Thiti said the program’s details, photos, videos, and narration of the attractions will be available in Thai, English, Chinese, and Russian. It also will offer turn-by-turn voice navigation in English and Thai.
DASTA’s first recommended route is a bike path starting in the Chinese-heritage community of Baan Chak Ngaeo running through Khao Cheechan, Huay Yai, Banglamung and Sattahip. It also is possible to drive the root.
Following that path would take users past eight attractions, including the ancient Chinese community, Viharnra Sien, Wonder Farm, Big Buddha Mountain, the Silverlake vineyard, Buddha’s footprint at Mondop, Yanasangwararam Temple, and Khunying Hydro Farm.
Users can also create their own routes and get navigation instructions.
“In the future, it is expected we could integrate Chonburi, Rayong, Chantaburi and Trat,’ he said.
