An app that helps visitors find out what’s on where in the Mountains has won its developers gold at the recent NSW Tourism awards.
Ask Roz allows users to type in what area they are in, or going to be travelling to, and they can find out anything from what events might be happening to the best bushwalks, places to eat and drink, photo opportunities, what to do on a rainy day, even where there are public toilets.
It will also give weather reports, link to local newspapers and highlight special offers from local businesses.
Developers Graham and Roslyn Reibelt, from Lawson, were overwhelmed at the award in the specialised tourism services category.
“It was a tremendous surprise. Just to go there and be up against such serious competition,” Mr Reibelt said. “We were very honoured.”
Mr Reibelt started developing the app three years ago. He was approaching 60 and felt it was “time for a change”.
“We felt that there was a definite hole there that nobody was filling and it appealed to me as I’m fairly technically based.”
But they had trouble coming up with a name that worked.
“Then I thought of how whenever we travel, I always ask Roz,” he said. And the name stuck.
The Reibelts are constantly upgrading. One of the latest functions is the “Take Me Home” button. Tourists simply log in where they are staying, go out for the day and when they’re finished the app will give them directions to return to their accommodation.
Ask Roz gives equal access to all businesses and events, which are listed for free. But there is a “featured” section and a “special offers” section, which companies pay to be part of.
“The whole thing is designed to be non-intrusive and give you as much information as possible and let you find it out one-handed walking down Katoomba Street.”
Two other finalists in the NSW Tourism awards were the Fairmont Resort, which won silver in the deluxe accommodation and business event venue categories, and Mountains Whispers, which won bronze in the luxury accommodation category.
Ask Roz is now a finalist in the national tourism awards, to be held in February.