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DigitalRez & VIP Backpackers Project

DigitalRez • July 24, 2019
Barbados, West Indies, Feb 1, 2002 - Digital Rez International and VIP Backpackers of Australia announce project completion

Barbados, West Indies - Feb 1, 2002

DigitalRez International (DRI) announced the completion of a joint project between DRI and VIP Backpackers International (VIP). The long-term relationship will allow both companies to expand their positions in their respective businesses onto the Internet.

DRI is adding the functionality to their ROS2000 reservation system coupled with Rez Robot Online systems that enable VIP to offer their exclusive membership the ability to book real-time to any of the 700 VIP Hostels around the world. DRI enhancements also include comprehensive on-line packaging that ties hostels, activity/tour and transportation vendors together.

The system provides VIP the ability to offer three fully automated channels through which their hostels and activity vendors can make a reservation:

  • A Real-Time process where ROS2000 is installed at the vendor's operation and communicates directly with VIP's online system.
  • An allocated inventory process where webinterfaces allow the vendor to allocate or remove inventory in real-time and remain in control at all times.
  • A request-based process where an e-mail or fax is sent from the Internet interface to the vendor for confirmation.

"The relationship and business plan with VIP will be a model for other companies and associations to act much like Central Reservation Systems or Global Distribution Systems", stated Ken Lahoda, CEO of DigitalRez International. "DRI and VIP will actively seek out similar entities to bring them into the stream now that development is complete."
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By DigitalRez March 3, 2020
DigitalRez has just announced that its February 2020 editions of its popular online camping eMags are now available for online viewing. This includes both the February edition of Campfire Travel and their quarterly eMag for Dog owners that take their pets camping. Each magazine edition is loaded with good information that is not found in any other type of camping magazines. Company spokesperson, Kevin Hall, says this about these two new February eMag editions, “As we do every month in our unique Campfire Travel magazines, we have looked far and wide to find interesting and useful camping material to write on. We have our regular State Focus section that looks for detailed camping information on several specific states and as usual some interesting tidbits of information for dog owners that camp with their canines in our other quarterly eMagazine. The response to both of these online publications has been overwhelmingly positive and we will continue striving to keep churning out useful information each month for our fans that can’t get enough good information to enhance their camping and RV lifestyles.” Hall says that that the February 2020 edition of their Campfire Travel Magazine that’s now posted on their website focuses on camping in the states of New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona, and Mississippi. Those who have never camped in New Mexico will enjoy the good information on that state's most popular tourist attractions such as the White Sands National Monument and the Bandelier National Monument. There is also detailed information on the interesting sights to see near the state’s historic city of Santé Fe. There are 6 attractions altogether in New Mexico that this latest edition of Campfire travel features. The spokesperson says that the Nevada section, of course, would not be complete without some information on how to best visit Hoover Dam. There is also information on the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and the exciting cities of Reno and Las Vegas. Arizona, which has long been a popular destination for campers and RV enthusiasts because of its natural scenery and year-round good weather, includes information on such attractions as Cathedral Rock, Havasu Falls, and Monument Valley. Hall says no camping trip to Arizona would ever be complete without visiting the Grand Canyon which they have covered in detail. The Mississippi section covers many historic areas of the state and has some good information on the majestic city of Tupelo and the Grenada Lake area. Hall also said that he thinks most readers will enjoy and be pleasantly surprised by the feature section the ‘Seven Fundamental Differences in Tents’. He says it contains tent information that even the most avid campers do not realize. There is interesting information on the different wall styles in tents and even some unusual tidbits relating to tent sleeves and clips. According to Hall, Campfire Travel continues to include some items in their February eMag that will help pass the time for families when traveling to their camping destinations traveling. This includes some funny and entertaining videos that other avid camping fans and readers have shared with them. There is also the challenging trivia section and several games that will entertain both adults and children. Hall also wanted to remind those that read the magazine not to forget to enter the monthly competitions that are detailed inside this edition. The spokesperson says it has several new recipes for easy road trip style snacks too. The spokesperson says that their eMagazine for Dogs continues to rise in popularity every 4 months and he thinks their exciting features in the February 2020 edition of the magazine will only add to that. Like its sister eMagazine Campfire Travel, it too features a section on tents but these are special tents made just for dogs. Hall says there are also the usual sections that focus on the ‘rules for camping with dogs’ and ‘the best types of behavior in dogs that go camping with their owners’. https://www.pressadvantage.com/story/34650-digitalrez-states-that-the-february-editions-of-campfire-travel-magazine-are-now-available-for-online
By DigitalRez January 22, 2020
Canada based DigitalRez is pleased to announce that the January 2020 update for their popular RezExpert software system is now live. RezExpert is a software platform that serves as a reservation management system. It has a fully featured reservation and property management system that is suitable for a wide range of business needs. More details can be found at the following link: RezExpert Update . Kevin Hall, a representative for DigitalRez, says, “We have built an intuitive and innovative system that boasts rich, dynamic setup interfaces that can satisfy the needs of complex businesses, such as managed communities, resort networks and owner revenue sharing properties. With every update, we bring in new features that make our software more powerful, flexible and able to take care of more complex requirements. The January update fixes a number of issues that have caused inconveniences, and it also introduces new features that will make life easier for RezExpert users.” As part of the update, RezExpert will now allow payment before check-in for corporate bookings and no longer restrict payments, as previous versions of the software did. In addition, the ability to set where charges are placed by default for reservations is now available in the Business Setup panel. This flag allows a user to determine if the charges will, by default, be placed on either the reservation level or the Wholesaler/GDS level of the reservation. However, users will still be able to transfer specific invoices from one level to the next. On the backend, DigitalRez has also applied several software patches that add to RezExpert’s security measures. The update also brings with it a series of bug fixes, including a fix for the export count issue, improvements to the responsiveness of the guest list, a leap year fix, additional verification checks to the Payment Express, a fix to an issue where documents uploaded to individual Unit Types would not display on Online Confirmation, a Print Selector display issue fix for long term reservations and a number of miscellaneous bug fixes. Hall says, “We are very proud of RezExpert. The software can accommodate length and width sensitive units, multiple vehicle types, yield management, channel connections, unique lodge and experience packaging ideal for tours, rentals, golf tee times and a wide range of other verticals without any issues at all. With every update, you will find that RezExpert only gets better. If you have more than one business that needs reservation or property management services, our software is the right answer for you. With RezExpert, you can make sensible low cost, low risk buying decisions with no long term contracts and free demonstrations.” DigitalRez supports further customization of RezExpert and has released a number of different modules, addressing maintenance, ticketing, promo codes, reputation management, dynamic rates, credit card processing, timeshare management, automated emails and more. The company has also released a Mobile App, the RezExpert eGuestConnect App, through which users have access to a fully branded app for their businesses at a fraction of the cost that an app of this nature would usually merit. Hall says, “RezExpert supports near-endless customization to suit your business’ specific needs. All you have to do is pick the right modules for your needs and easily create a custom version of RezExpert that provides you with the solutions your business requires.” The in-depth customizability and the flexibility afforded by the RezExpert software has earned DigitalRez a lot of praise from satisfied clients. Seawind RV Resort says in their 5-Star review on Google, “Awesome Tech Support! When asked by other companies to change my reservation system, I emphatically answer no. I enjoy using this program for my campground needs. The others seem to want to charge more for a program that has too many features that I don't need. Y'all call at least once a month to see if we are having any issues with our program. That is wonderful and I hope you keep it up. Most of our issues have been resolved and for any that haven't, I know there is someone working on it. Outstanding Tech Support!” Those who want to learn more about DigitalRez or the variety of products and services the company provides, including RezExpert, the new update or any one of the modules available, can find more information on their website. Additionally, they encourage interested parties to get in touch with Kevin Hall directly via email or phone. DigitalRez also maintains a presence on Facebook where they post updates and communicate with their clients. https://www.pressadvantage.com/story/33734-digitalrez-releases-rez-expert-january-2020-update
By Campfire Travel December 5, 2019
DigitalRez is pleased to announce that the latest edition of their Campfire Travel e-Magazine is now available online. This November 2019 eMag release is the 11th edition of this popular online travel magazine. The company’s online magazines cater to those who enjoy camping and RVing. Company spokesperson, Kevin Hall, had this to say on the November 2019 Campfire Travel e-Magazine release, “Our company’s motto is ‘We bring fun, entertainment and news to RV and Camping enthusiasts everywhere’. That is the focus of every Campfire Travel e-Magazine that we post online. The November 2019 edition is no different. It covers everything from exciting camping and RV destinations to fun activities that a family can do as they travel to their destination.” Hall said that each edition of the Campfire Travel e-Magazine is designed to focus around camping in just a few specific states. The November 2019 edition has camping and RVing articles that center on Kansas, Tennessee, Missouri, and Utah. It features articles on the most famous attractions in all these states. Some of the more generic camping articles that are covered in this edition include ‘Must have camping gear’ and ‘Snacking on the go’. Their November e-Magazine also has sections with easy point and click access to online games and some informational and funny videos. The 11th edition of the online magazine includes some 54 pages in all. These pages are full of useful camping information and ways for people to entertain themselves while on the road. All the e-Magazines that the company has distributed so far can be quickly accessed from their website . A user just has to follow the menu items across the top of the page until they get to one that says ‘e-Magazines’. Once a person gets to that, they simply click on it and then all the magazine editions that the company has distributed online will appear on the linked page. Hall also went on to describe what Campfire Travel is all about. He says the purpose of their e-Magazines are to both help entertain and inform those who like to go camping across Canada and the USA. The company makes available a new Campfire Travel e-Magazine edition on the 16th of every month. Campfire Travel’s activities are also complemented by their Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram accounts and they have a convenient phone app too. Each edition of their e-magazines also includes some beautiful hi-resolution photos and they are fully downloadable. He mentioned that the company’s website is full of useful camping and travel information too. The point and click dropdown menu will help users access such topics as camping activities, camping trip suggestions, camping recipes, and the latest camping equipment. There is also an ‘RSS’ section that features blogs on many informational camping topics. The homepage even includes a handy campground and RV resort search feature. Among the most popular activities that the company does is their monthly online contests. These include the opportunity to win thousands of dollars in prizes each month. The prizes include such things as vacation stays, electronics, and gift vouchers. Campfire Travel’s contests can be accessed from the website or from links in their e-Magazines. The company is also very unique in other ways with respect to the camping information that they generate. An example of that is some of the Campfire Travel emags they produce are created for those that like to take their dogs with them when camping. They realize that camping is often a family affair and many times dogs are included in that circle. These editions do such things as list pet-friendly camping areas and give out pointers on how to prepare for a camping trip that includes a dog. There are even tips in these additions on activities to do with a dog when camping so they do not sit idle too often. So far, three editions of the online magazine that focus on taking a dog camping have been distributed online. https://www.pressadvantage.com/story/32803-digitalrez-announces-the-11th-edition-of-their-campfire-travel-e-magazine-is-now-available-online
By Campfire Travel November 13, 2019
Campfire Travel , a website dedicated to camping and RV enthusiasts, is pleased to share more details regarding their competition for November. Campfire Travel describes itself as an international team that seeks to reignite the public’s passion for camping and outdoor experiences. Kevin Hall, a representative for the company, says, “November’s competition is not one you want to miss. We’ve had some fantastic rewards before, but this time our competition’s winners will be treated to something absolutely fantastic: a two-day stay at one of the country’s best resorts, the Wine Ridge RV Resort & Cottages.” Campfire Travel describes the Wine Ridge RV Resort reward as so “Quiet and serene, nestled in Nevada’s premier vineyards and winery, we offer full amenities and the most magnificent desert and mountain vistas you can imagine. If you have a quad, Razor or rugged 4WD, you can join us for a tag-along off-road tour of the gorgeous Spring Mountains. Work out with our state of the art fitness equipment in our brand new fitness center. Enjoy the on-site wine tasting room at the award-winning on-site Pahrump Valley Winery.” The company’s descriptions provide an accurate picture, as reviews for the Wine Ridge RV Resort & Cottages all describe similar experiences. The resort has a 4.5-star rating on Google, aggregated over more than 130 reviews. In her review, Susan Casey-Leininger says, “We stayed in one of the cottages and loved it. It was impeccably clean and so comfortable. There were also tons of room—we only had two people but it easily could have slept four. Every person we encountered was friendly and helpful. I would highly recommend staying there.” In addition to the two day stay at the resort, winners of the competition will also receive a number of other prizes. These prizes include a custom-made personalized shirt (male or female), a sturdy travel mug, a standard mug along with a fire pit. Campfire Travel holds these competitions on a monthly basis, and previous contest winners include Cassandra Darensbourg and Jenny Laundrie in May, Brian Castello and Gina El-Reedy (who won a stay at Triple C's Campground & RV Park in June) and Julia M. Schoennagel, Ryan Heron, and Kristyn O'Gorman (who won a stay at Camperland RV Resort & Cabins in August). Last month’s competition gave everyone a chance to win a two-day stay at Sunshine Valley, a beautiful site surrounded by the snow-capped Cascade Mountains only fifteen minutes past Hope, British Columbia. In addition to holding monthly competitions, Campfire Travel’s main focus is to bring fun, entertainment, and news to RV and Camping enthusiasts everywhere. Each month, the company focuses on four or five states across North America. The magazine also features campgrounds and RV resorts to give them more exposure. Every edition of the Campfire Travel eMagazine also includes about $1,000 worth of vacations and prizes to win via competitions. Kevin Hall says, “At Campfire Travel, we try to provide camping related fun and entertainment for the whole family. As such, our magazine takes your whole family into account, including your kids. If you read our magazine, you’ll find that they have embedded games for children and adults so that you won’t get bored during long drives when you go camping. They also have more practical features, such as the advanced Campground and RV Resort finder and directory, which allows you to find that extra special place to camp.” Those interested in learning more about Campfire Travel, the Wine Ridge Competition or the variety of services the company offers may visit their website to read further. Interested parties are also encouraged to get in touch with Kevin Hall directly for further details. In addition to the company’s website, Campfire Travel can also be found across multiple social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, where they frequently share updates and interact with their community.
By DigitalRez October 31, 2019
DigitalRez, a Canadian software company based out of Sicamous, British Columbia, is pleased to announce that they have released a software update for their popular RezExpert software system. RezExpert is designed to serve as a comprehensive reservation and property management system that is suitable for a wide range of business verticals. The full details about the new update and all the changes it brings can be found at the following link: RezExpert Update. The RezExpert software has been developed from scratch by DigitalRez, using the latest web and security protocols, to allow business owners to manage reservation and property management functions for multiple types of businesses, including hotels, campgrounds, B&B's, marinas, condos, multi-resort networks and more. Kevin Hall, a representative for DigitalRez and RezExpert says, “Our system is the most feature-rich reservation management system you could use. We built it from the ground up to include rich, dynamic interfaces that can satisfy some of the most complex business requirements, such as managed communities, resort networks, and owner revenue sharing properties. If you have more than one business that needs reservation or property management services, we allow you to make sensible low cost, low risk buying decisions—there are no long term contracts to hold you down and you have full access to free demonstrations of what RezExpert can do for you.​” The RezExpert platform is designed to address a wide variety of needs with exacting detail. It can account for factors such as length and width sensitive units, multiple vehicle types, yield management, channel connections, unique lodge and experience packaging ideal for tours, rentals, golf tee times, and more. “The best part,” adds Hall, “is the fact that you can always fine-tune the software further by picking and choosing from the wide number of modules we have on offer.” RezExpert offers a variety of modules that can give the platform added functionality in maintenance, ticketing, promo codes, reputation management, dynamic rates, credit card processing, timeshare management, automated emails, and more. By picking the right modules, RezExpert users can further customize the software to ensure that it fits their needs. DigitalRez has also released a Mobile App, RezExpert eGuestConnect, which provides a fully branded app for the users’ businesses for a fraction of the cost of an app of this nature would usually merit. More information about the modules and the mobile app can be found on the RezExpert Website. DigitalRez products have left a positive impression on their users, who have nothing but praise for the company and its services. Carl Schmidt II says, “Well, I will have to say that I have been using Digital Rez for many years and have never been disappointed in the service that they have provided. Even with the new update and software, they continue to do an amazing job and always takes care of whatever is needed on my end.Thank you all so much for doing a wonderful job and keeping our reservation at the top!” In another review, Smith Pleasant Valley Campground says, “Blaine is so helpful. After three years, we decided to move to the online system. Blaine took his time and made sure that every question I had was answered. He was so kind, calm, and helpful as I stumbled my way through the process! Highly recommend DigitalRez and their fantastic customer service! Been using their software since 2002!” Meanwhile, Vicki Edmonds shares her experience with DigitalRez and RezExpert saying, “This system is just what we were looking for; the system itself does everything we need it to do and more. The support is incredible; they are there for you at any time to help. I would recommend this system to anyone. You can't go wrong with Rez.” Those who want to learn more about DigitalRez or the variety of products and services the company provides, including RezExpert, the new update, or any one of the available modules, can find more information on the company’s website. Interested parties are also encouraged to get in touch with Kevin Hall for further details. DigitalRez also maintains a presence on Facebook, where they post updates, share information, and communicate with their clients. https://www.pressadvantage.com/story/32010-digitalrez-releases-new-rez-expert-software-update
By Adrian Armstrong October 9, 2019
British Columbia, Canada based DigitalRez has announced that they can now provide bespoke vertical solutions for those looking for the perfect reservation solution. The company already provides the leading platform for many verticals, including hotels, inns, bed & breakfasts, campgrounds, marinas, RV resorts, eco wilderness, and rental markets. They have also leveraged their expertise to fulfill the requirements for many other verticals including mining, kennels, market vendor stalls, and many event-driven businesses. Street Insider recently featured one of their verticals, Campfire Travel, for their ability to provide marketing campaign options for resorts and campgrounds that wish to attract more visitors. In the article, Kevin Hall, a spokesperson for DigitalRez, stated, “Our aim is to bring fun, entertainment, and news to RV and Camping enthusiasts everywhere. We have a large reach and a dedicated audience of travelers. We want to help campgrounds and RV resorts across the country increase their sales and visitors by utilizing our reach and audience.” Innovations like this, backed by effective marketing packages, help ensure that those who are busy running their business well do not have to spend hours trying to figure out how to extend their reach through social media. DigitalRez has offices in Canada, Barbados, and Australia and supplies software, support, and systems worldwide. Since their inception in 1993, their goal has been to provide a robust, low-cost, responsive platform capable of processing millions of real-time reservations and managing hundreds of thousands of member/client accounts to those who need to manage multiple properties—from multi-resorts to even the smallest, bespoke proprietor. DigitalRez’s RezExpert product is also one of the most robust systems across the entire range of accommodation management software. Their expertise makes them the perfect partner through which to showcase their Community-Based Tourism Tech site, which supports a new branch of tourism. Community-Based Tourism seeks to deliver broader benefits to the area’s residents, creating sustainable tourism and providing valuable opportunities to visitors and locals alike. KTVN News covered the launch on its site in September, where Hall is quoted stating that the platform will be available to tourism boards, associations, and professionals around the world. The company is keen to get feedback from those using it so that the site is updated regularly to suit their experience. Those who use RezExpert have access to over 30 different modules that can be deployed as needed, and they give users the ability to accommodate Strata Clients, run Dynamic pricing, and even manage waiting lists, meters, housekeeping, and escrow management, among many others. Underpinning their platform is their first-class customer support, which is on hand 24/7. It provides professional and friendly support to over 4,000 organizations around the globe and gives them unique insights into the sorts of unique customizations that can make all the difference to their business. Recently, Vicki Edmonds left her review on the Google platform, giving them top marks. She said, “This system is just what we were looking for; the system itself does everything we need it to do and more. The support is incredible, they are there for you at any time to help. I would recommend this system to anyone. you can’t do anything wrong with Rez.” Hall responded, “We love hearing back from our clients and invite all of them, new and existing alike, to provide their honest feedback online. This can help those struggling with their current systems to learn how they may enjoy the advantages of RezExpert themselves.” The reservation solutions provider is active around the globe and is always happy to showcase their software to interested parties. On their Facebook page, DigitalRez Australia recently posted that they presented their RezExpert’s innovative Online Accommodation and Tour Booking software at the WA Regional Tourism Conference in Karratha. Similarly, an earlier post features a brief overview of their system and how anyone can use it to reduce costs and avoid investment and resources in local servers. Their broad client-base ranges from the "technology-savvy" experts to the very "tech-challenged" who do not want to touch a computer more than is absolutely needed. Their customer support will ensure each client can get up to speed with what they need to do to run their business. The addition of their marketing package enables those who do not want to worry about dealing with that side of the business get more of their time back helping their visitors enjoy their stay. Those who wish to learn more about RezExpert and test it out for their own use can book a demonstration through the company’s website. They may also reach out to Kevin Hall of DigitalRez, who can also advise how to tailor the platform’s functionality for their own vertical requirements. To stay up to date with their news, clients are encouraged to follow DigitalRez through their active social media channels on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube. https://www.pressadvantage.com/story/31554-creators-of-rez-expert-reservation-software-now-offer-bespoke-vertical-solutions
By Adrian Armstrong October 3, 2019
Campfire Travel, a website dedicated to camping and RV enthusiasts, is pleased to announce that they provide marketing campaign options for resorts and campgrounds that wish to attract more visitors. Kevin Hall, a representative for Campfire Travel, says, “Our aim is to bring fun, entertainment, and news to RV and Camping enthusiasts everywhere. We have a large reach and a dedicated audience of travelers. We want to help campgrounds and RV resorts across the country increase their sales and visitors by utilizing our reach and audience.” Campfire Travel offers a comprehensive marketing package aimed at campgrounds and RV resorts. They guarantee their marketing package can help brands reach audiences of over 30,000 campers statewide. They also state that they can increase a given brand’s social media engagement and ensure over 400 new subscribers sign on for the brand’s mailing list. Additionally, the package also includes social media ad management (with the costs included in the package), along with a 2-page space dedicated to a multimedia ad in the Campfire Travel eMagazine. Hall says, “Our marketing package will take care of everything for you. Our team will work hard to ensure that you get more sign-ups to your mailing list and we won’t stop there. We will also work with you to design your marketing emails so that you can engage with and attract new visitors. Furthermore, our team will take care of your social media channels and post up to three posts each day—and design, create, and execute viral contests that can help you gain more visitors for your resort. If you are a campground or an RV resort that wants to increase your brand’s reach and presence, you really can’t go wrong with us.” Each month, Campfire Travel focuses on four or five states across North America that host some of the best camping sites in the country. They also feature campgrounds and RV resorts in order to give them the most exposure. Every edition of the Campfire Travel eMagazine also has about $1,000 worth of vacations and prizes to win, with the contests ranging from photo competitions to trivia face-offs and more. The company’s eMagazine is specifically designed to be used on tablet devices, but the company promises that they are developing a version of the application that is optimized for mobile phones. Kevin Hall says, “All of our apps are designed with family in mind. As such, they have embedded games for children and adults so that you won’t get bored during long drives and camping trips. The app will also have an advanced Campground and RV Resort finder and directory to help you find that extra special place to camp. We will also be launching a member's area that is meant to act as a social media platform dedicated to camping enthusiasts. The best part is that our app will be able to be integrated with your Facebook and Twitter accounts, so that you can easily invite your friends, and comment and interact with other campers.” In addition to having their own dedicated eMagazine, Campfire Travel was recently featured in an ad in Woodall's Campground Manager's flipbook, which can be found at the following link: Woodall's feature . In their current monthly competition, participants can win a two day holiday stay along with a customized shirt (male or female), a travel mug, standard mug, and a fire pit. It gives everyone a chance to win a two day stay at Sunshine Valley, a fantastic site only fifteen minutes past Hope, British Columbia that is surrounded by the snow-capped Cascade Mountains. The winner will get the chance to enjoy a wealth of recreational activities that are available for all campers, including exceptional skiing and snowboarding at Manning Park in the winter months and miles of beautiful hiking trails in the summer. Those who are interested in learning more about Campfire Travel or the services they offer can visit the company’s website to find additional information. Interested parties are also welcome to contact Kevin Hall directly for further details. Campfire Travel can also be found across multiple social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, where they frequently post updates and interact with their readers. https://www.pressadvantage.com/story/31503-campfire-travel-offers-marketing-campaign-option
By DigitalRez September 24, 2019
DigitalRez, a reservation and property management software company with offices in Barbados, Australia, and Canada, has announced that they have finished development on their new Community Based Tourism Tech website . The company had been working on this project for several months, and are now excited to share the results of their work with the public. The new platform promises to be a unique space where tourism professionals can gather and share their excitement for community-based tourism, advising and guiding each other on their activities and what affordable technologies are available to get their projects off the ground. Kevin Hall, a spokesperson of DigitalRez, states, "We are very excited to make this platform available to tourism boards, associations, and professionals around the world. Our expectation for this space is that it will be a valuable resource for all community-based tourism professionals. We will regularly be adding new information concerning community-based tourism, which is a promising area of the field that remains rather unexplored. We look forward to reading what the community has to say about this website and listen to their feedback. Ultimately, this platform is for their use, so we will be regularly updating it according to their experience on the site." The new Community Based Tourism Tech website is dedicated to sharing useful resources on community-based tourism. As the name suggests, it represents a branch of tourism that is owned and managed by communities whose intent is to deliver a broader benefit to the area's residents. Through this initiative, DigitalRez seeks to support a form of sustainable tourism that allows visitors to connect personally with the communities they visit. They provide valuable opportunities for visitors and locals alike, as the benefits of the initiative are gained mutually, and provide an experience that would not otherwise be possible. The company says, "The website offers the tourist a deeper experiential, participatory, cross-culturally interactive insight into local people, unique culture, traditions, music, environment, art, and craft than they would otherwise get and the community as key stakeholders can exercise greater control and accrue more benefits than they would otherwise receive. This form of tourism gives tourists authentic experiences while allowing revenue generated to remain in the community. There are no downsides to this, as these are job and revenue opportunities that would not otherwise be possible, which will, in turn, improve the experience of future visitors and community-based businesses." However, while it may seem like every step of this community-based tourism will be handled by locals, the company notes that they expect to complement this service with technology. The Community Tourism Tech initiative intends to demonstrate how the implementation of a technological ecosystem can help ensure the success of a community-based tourism pilot project. The benefits that this implementation will provide to the community include easing their transition into the digital economy, which will help the community access extra revenue for small and medium-sized, community-based businesses. This technology also promises to help the community thrive. An example of this is the inclusion of technologies that require little physical infrastructure, and even less maintenance, such as WiFi. This promises to help developing countries gain pace on adopting new technologies and provide them with opportunities to improve, in a significantly shorter period of time. The ultimate goal of promoting Community Based Tourism is to preserve the culture of local areas by encouraging residents to embrace visitors and share their lifestyle with them, rather than changing to fit the requirements of the tourism industry. The technology involved is merely a means of easing this process. DigitalRez is currently evaluating the cost of this system when applied at scale, as it is important to ensure that it is viable into the future. The new Community Tourism Tech website includes all information relevant to this new initiative, including case studies and the various challenges that the company is currently dealing with. Those who wish to learn more about this topic may reach out to Kevin Hall of DigitalRez to follow up on any inquiries. https://www.pressadvantage.com/story/31132-digitalrez-announces-launch-of-the-new-community-based-tourism-tech-website
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