Australians travelling overseas can now receive immediate communication regarding natural disasters and travel warnings with new technology alerting them through their mobile.
Australians in earthquake hit Vanuatu and Indonesia as well as tsunami and typhoon devastated regions in the south pacific recently cold be immediately informed on the latest situation and located, if linked to the new cutting edge IT technology ‘Travel Messenger’ which relays vital security updates via SMS messages to their mobile phone.
Overseas travels can now be kept up to date
with the latest travel and safety information
vioa their mobile phone
Melbourne based Loop9, the company that’s developed the technology says that the government could contact those abroad immediately if they were linked to Travel Messenger, said CEO Mark McCormack.
McCormack said Australians travelling in earthquake hit Indonesia and typhoon devastated Philippines recently were kept totally informed with up to the minute alerts text to their mobile phone outlining the latest developments.
“The region of Indonesia which was hit by a succession of earthquakes is a popular surfing destination for many Australians, so it was vital for them to receive accurate updates on how the situation was unfolding,” said McCormack.
Within 15 minutes of the quake Travel Messenger subscribers were kept constantly informed on the unfolding news, especially in context of their safety.
Examples of recent SMS alerts to Australian subscribers’ mobiles:
8 October- an earthquake of magnitude 7.8 has struck north east of the Vanuatu island of Santo. A Tsunami warning is in effect. Move to higher ground and monitor local radio.
1 October 2009 – Travel Messenger Alert: INDONESIA – An earthquake with an initial magnitude of 6.8 on the Richter scale has struck near Southern Sumatra, Indonesia. A Tsunami alert has been issued for Sumatra. Move to higher ground.
2 October 2009 – Travel Messenger Alert: Bangkok THAILAND – members of the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship, also known as ’red shirts’, announced on 1 October 2009 that they would hold a mass rally in Bangkok 17 October. Avoid large public gatherings and be alert to your own security.
2 October 2009 – Travel Messenger Alert: Rome, ITALY – Public transport workers in Rome are planning to participate in two strikes on 2 October 2009. Disruptions likely throughout the day.
3 October – Travel Messenger Alert: CHINA – National Day Golden Week holiday. (Commemorates the founding of the People’s Republic of China). Public holiday – government offices and businesses closed.
The SMS ‘Concierge’ Service covers over 200 countries and 3000 cities and has been accessible through major travel agency companies since mid last year.
“In just over 18 months of operations this technology has proven crucial to the safety of hundreds, if not thousands, of Australians caught up in dangerous situations overseas; it has proven itself time over as an invaluable security tool for travellers wherever they may be,” he said.
The service can also be used to provide travellers with any travel related information such as wether information, Australian Embassy contact details, police and taxi numbers, currency conversion and more. It also has an SMS translator in 15 languages that can help in directing a taxi or ordering in a restaurant.
“It is a multi-functional, vital service for any traveller and can provide great risk management for corporations and governments,” he said. “Travel Messenger is available from travel agencies from $20 – a small investment in comparison to the safety and peace of mind it can offer.”
For further information visit the Travel Messenger website.
