Adam Burckhardt, founder of Port Douglas based iTOURS has responded to the reports regarding the launch of the Tripwolf smart phone application by TTNQ.

Mr Burckhardt said he felt compelled to comment after a number of readers had their say on The Newsport article 'TTNQ to launch rival tour app' (Monday 17 October 2011).

"I was quite surprised to see the amount of responses posted on The Newsport website and wanted to clarify our position surrounding the issue," he said.

"Yes, we have been in discussions with both TPDD and TTNQ along with other Tourism Bodies around Australia. Those discussion are still continuing and at this stage we are still positive about gaining TTNQ's support.

"We are presenting to the board on 3 November when we hope to secure their involvement."

Despite TTNQ's description of their Tripwolf application drawing immediate comparisons to iTOURS, Mr Burckhardt said it was actually quite different.

"We don't actually see Tripwolf as competitive product as the concept behind it is very different to iTOURS.

"Tripwolf is an information listing application designed to direct mobile device users direct to member's websites. It is based on the consumer wanting to pay to download it to access that information and the operators having their own means to facilitate bookings.

"iTOURS however, is designed to provide an integrated marketing channel and booking platform for tour operators and associated business to reach visitors that are here on holiday.

"There's advantages to each application and (I) believe that both, and probably others, would be part of any business' online marketing strategy in future.

"This is an exciting new media space that many businesses will endeavour to enter. Competition is a great thing and only makes for better quality and service being provided so we're not too concerned about it."  

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