With the summer approaching, you’re probably thinking about your summer travel plans, how to find something unique and what app or website might be the best tool to help you along the way. Last month, the Travel Channel launched their first ever travel guide app (for iPad, iPhone or, iPod Touch), called “Travel Channel Layover Guide With Anthony Bourdain.”
At $1.99 the app is designed to help anyone, “create their own Bourdain-inspired excursions,” according to the release. The app is infused with exclusive content from their two hit shows, “The Layover” and “Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations,” as well as real utility for people looking to find great spots in layover cities (video demo). We spoke with Marietta Hurwitz, SVP & GM for Travel Channel Digital about the new product.
Lost Remote: What are the social elements?
Marietta Hurwitz: Layover Guide users can share points of interest via Facebook, Twitter, and email. When traveling, users can check-in to locations they visit, and share their check-ins on Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare. App activities–like creating an itinerary, browsing destinations, and checking in to locations–also earn badges which can be shared to Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare.
LR: What are the goals in launching this?
MH: Travel Channel is very focused on expansion across multiple platforms as a travel lifestyle brand, providing a highly engaging, content-rich user experience closely integrated with on-air programming. Now, with the launch of this app, we’re closing the gap between the linear channel and digital platforms, taking it to the next step to actually enable consumers to get traveling!
LR: Who helped you build it?
MH: Travel Channel worked with Rockfish Interactive and Zero Point Zero Productions to create the Travel Channel Layover Guide app.
LR: How involved was Bourdain?
MH: Tony provided exclusive inspiration lists and custom video introducing the cities included in the app.
LR: How does this app make TV more social?
MH: The app gives users the knowledge, inspiration and tools to create their own Bourdain-inspired layovers. Fans of the show can follow in Tony’s footsteps, discovering new locations and meeting others that share a common interest in a location or food.
LR: How is the app unique?
MH: This unique app combines the highly curated vision of Anthony Bourdain with practical tools to help users create their own Bourdain-inspired excursions. Meant to appeal to the armchair traveler, as well as the road warrior or jetsetter, the app was developed to motivate users to browse, watch, create and go.