Tourism bosses today launched the new official Great Yarmouth app, available free for iPhone and iPad users. The new tourism app is suitable for phones and tablets running iOS6 and is available from the app store now. Search for ‘Great Yarmouth’ and look out for the ‘i heart GY’ icon. An Android version will follow soon. 

There’s everything that visitors to the borough of Great Yarmouth need for a great day out or stay on the new tourism app. Covering the whole borough, from Hopton-on-Sea in the south, to Winterton-on-Sea in the north and Repps-with-Bastwick and Clippesby in the west, the app is packed with useful information about the entire resort, as well as the most up to date information about what’s on.

The app features in-built maps, images and information to help visitors plan their holiday, from details about activities such as boat trips, swimming pools and golf, to tourist attractions, food and drink and entertainment, as well as where to stay, car parks, toilets and cash machines.

The app uses a combination of phone signal and GPS to identify the user’s location and reference it against the attractions and facilities on the maps. Users can choose to view the information in a list ordered alphabetically or by nearest location to them or on a map. A blue marker on the map shows where they are in relation to the items displayed.  The app was developed by Norfolk firm pocketi as a free trial.

The maps and information are stored on the phone, so there is no need to constantly download data, saving on charges and helping reduce battery usage. Free updates will be available from the app store.

The app currently includes all graded accommodation that advertise in the Great Yarmouth Holiday Brochure, along with all tourist attractions, cafés, restaurants and pubs on the tourism database.

The app has been tested by members of the Greater Yarmouth Tourist Authority’s Marketing Group in locations all over the borough to ensure that the app is accurate in all areas of the holiday resort, not just on the seafront. More information will be uploaded over the coming months, including shops, takeaways, parks and gardens.

Ken Sims, Marketing Director of the Greater Yarmouth Tourist Authority and owner of Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens said: “We are always delighted to investigate the use of new technology to extend Great Yarmouth’s marketing reach to potential visitors and to make their holidays even more enjoyable once they are in the borough. The Greater Yarmouth Holiday Brochure can already be downloaded as an app, but given the high number of people now using smart phones to assist them with their holiday or day trip plans when they are actually here, the GYTA Marketing Group seized the opportunity to develop this more practical app, which will help guide people around the area.”

Councillor Michael Jeal, Chair of the Greater Yarmouth Tourist Authority said: “The new official Greater Yarmouth tourism app is an excellent resource for all visitors to the borough. The GPS technology used in the app will help guide you to your accommodation, attraction, café, restaurant, car park and even the nearest cash machine and toilets.”

For an immediate link to the app, users can go to the official Greater Yarmouth tourism website at www.great-yarmouth.co.uk and click on the App Store link, or for more information contact Great Yarmouth Tourist Information Centre t. 01493 846346.