Tourism may get a boost in Garfield County through new interactive computers, the first of their kind in the nation to be used by a travel council. The system has been used by a few national parks and is being expanded to others, it was reported.
Visitors would be able to get quick access to area attractions, history and be able to obtain other pertinent information.The units would be at the Tri-Agency Information Center in Escalante and the tourist information center in Hatch. They would be used in connection with the tourist promotional program of the county's travel council.
The project was visualized by the Garfield County Centennial Committee as its "legacy" program in connection with the state's centennial year that begins in January. The idea was gained from rangers at Bryce Canyon National Park, where such computer equipment is currently in use.
The project in Garfield County is being financed in part by an $8,500 grant from the Utah Statehood Centennial Commission.
Some $1.2 million has been designated for grants by the state commission, funded primarily through the sale of centennial license plates.
The computer's unusually easy-to-use software would benefit all ages, ranging from young children to the elderly. It could be easily updated at the travel council's headquarters in the Garfield County Courthouse in Panguitch.
It would also be possible for travel council representatives to access information on any question by a potential vacationer at trade and travel shows, said Bruce Fullmer, executive director of the Garfield Travel Council. This could be done by using a lap-top computer at the shows.
This marks the first installation for a travel council, according to Ron Mechlinski who, with a partner, Kerry Lee," designed the program. The package of IBM hardware and tailored software is being purchased from their firm, PIX Interactive, in Washington state.
The two met in college and have backgrounds in such fields as photography, art and computers. It was reported that the cost of their program, including a computer, keyboard, software and a kiosk, is about $3,500.
In addition to scenic attractions, the program would provide information relative to visiting hours and fees at national and state parks, dining facilities, fishing, camping, wildlife and boating. Fullmer said it would be possible to highlight photos and other attractions in other areas of the country.