Info kiosks for tourists

A FORMER IT specialist and coffee business franchisor has introduced interactive touch screen information kiosks into Western Australia’s hotels, to help visitors access the state’s tourism offerings.

AskmeDigital Australia owner,Wayne Mandic started rolling-out the kiosks in Perth hotels this month, with plans for national expansion.

“In the UK they call them concierge kiosks,” Mr Mandic said.

“My aim, within the next two years, is to have at least six kiosks in every major capital city in Australia.”

The kiosks can provide details about the specific hotel’s facilities alongside relevant information to tourists via its internet-based software.

Mr Mandic explained that after almost three years as master franchisor of coffee machine supplier Xpresso Delight, which followed a period implementing IT management systems for several multinational businesses, he was keen to develop a new business from the ground up.

After investigating ideas overseas he came across AskmeDigital in the UK, and struck up an exclusive distribution agreement to deliver the technology in Australia.

“Things are moving to touch screens with the iPhone and iPad, so it’s a technology that people are becoming more familiar with,” Mr Mandic said.

The first information kiosk was launched at the InterContinental Group’s Holiday Inn Perth on Hay Street about two weeks ago, followed by Aaron’s Hotel and Aaron’s Apartments soon after.

The Duxton Hotel Perth will get a kiosk next week as Mr Mandic continues discussions with InterContinental to place more kiosks in the Crowne Plaza Perth, Holiday Inn Burswood and possibly at InterContinental Perth Burswood.

“We’re starting in hotels but the technology can be used in other areas like shopping centres or even in cafes,” he said.

“In London they have kiosks selling tickets for shows and events.”

And while he admits advertisers, which drive the business’ bottom line, are somewhat resistant to jump into the concept at this stage, he’s confident about the future.

“The aim is, by the end of this financial year, to be turning over about $250,000 a year, which is conservative, and then probably within a couple of years to be five times that,” Mr Mandic said.