Viator intros iPhone, iPad travel apps

Viator, a worldwide travel activities and booking resource company, today introduces two of its travel apps on iTunes for the iPhone and iPad. Both travel apps encompass tours and activities from all of Viator's tour operators around the world.

The iPhone app — Tours & Activities — is simply laid out; the home page displays your current location via global positioning or you can nominate a location anywhere in the world, which then allows you to choose what you'd like to do for that day (or any future date), what's nearby, what are the current deals and discounts on offer, or see the top attractions. There is also the option to search, create a wish list and a section called "My Account" that will show your bookings.

So, for example, if you find yourself in Sydney's CBD, the app will list such activities as the Sydney Tower and Skywalk, the monorail and the list goes on.

The iPad app — Ultimate Experience Guide — is, as suggested by the name, a guide that shows travellers what the best and top attractions are around the world.

The Tours & Activities and Ultimate Experience Guide apps not only show travellers things to do and book within their vicinity, but they also display travellers' reviews, photos and recommendations so that users can make an informed decision.

Viator developed a new back-end proprietary system to allow its tour operators to upload services in real time so that travellers can book an activity within 24 hours — or as little as an hour, according to the company — via its apps.

Both apps let you choose what currency the pricing should be shown in (AU$, CAN$, US$, £ or €) no matter where you are or the location of the tour you're planning to book. To make a booking you will need a credit card, which Viator says is not saved or stored on a database and will need to be entered each time you make a purchase.

Once you've signed in on your mobile device or Viator's website, your bookings will show up under your account, so you'll always have it at hand no matter where you are in the world.

Both apps require internet access, so while the apps will list the best deals and save you valuable money, travellers will have to be aware of those hefty data roaming fees while perusing the apps.

With the introduction of Tours & Activities and Ultimate Experience Guide, Viator is offering readers an extra 10 per cent off any tour and activity that is booked by 31 May 2011 through a mobile device (iPhone or iPad app, or even Viator's mobile website).

For non-Apple users, Viator is expecting to launch an Android app later this year, while others can access Viator's mobile website.

Viator has more than 2000 tour partners worldwide including Priceline.com, British Airways, Air France, Intercontinental Hotels Group and lastminute.com.