Travel guide’s videos in a snap w/ #QR Codes

Mapping out things to do in Nebraska just got smarter.

The new 2011 Nebraska Travel Guide features 176 pages of activities and highlights of places to go and things to see across the state — but it also launches travelers into digital journeys via their smart phones.

Quick response codes — tiny square figures that resemble bar codes — for smart phones are printed in the guide to link readers to informational videos on VisitNebraska.gov.

About three months ago, the Nebraska Travel and Tourism Division started a mobile website to complement the annual printed guide. The site gives travelers access to up-to-date event listings and the ability to instantly search for nearby attractions and recreation opportunities as they travel.

Travelers increasingly are turning to Wi-Fi–enabled mobile devices or smart phones as a source of information, said Christian Hornbaker, director of Nebraska’s Division of Travel and Tourism.

“By giving travelers a mobile site that allows them to quickly find the events, attractions and recreational opportunities they’re looking for, we’re empowering them to be able to be flexible with their planning,’’ he said. “And the ability to be flexible can be the difference between merely a good vacation and an absolutely unforgettable trip.” Read More