A new travel safety app that connects travellers with overseas emergency services and embassies at the touch of a button, and can translate critical emergency questions into the local language, was unveiled at the launch of the Travel Aware App this week.
In the event of a terrorist attack, accident, natural disaster, or crime, Travel Aware provides international travellers with important emergency information, contacts for 2172 embassies worldwide, translations of key emergency phrases in over 200 languages, and secure storage of passport and insurance details.
Speaking at the launch of the Travel Aware App, engineer and inventor Neil Wallace said he designed the app after identifying a need for people to seek help quickly and easily if they are caught up in an emergency situation overseas.
“The App has been in development for more than three years and the launch has been planned for months, however, the terrible situation with the recent terrorist attacks in Paris has highlighted how beneficial this app could be,” Mr Wallace said.
“They say hope for the best, but plan for the worst. Imagine being stuck in another country during a major natural disaster or terrorist attack, without knowing how to contact emergency services or find the closest medical facility.
“Finding yourself without a wallet or passport, or an understanding of the local laws, with no way of contacting the local embassy is another problem, especially if you don’t speak the language.
“Travel Aware provides peace of mind in your pocket. The initial reaction we’ve received from travel industry, safety and insurance experts is that nobody should be leaving the country without this on their phone.”
The app is currently available to those from the top 10 travelling countries in the world – Australia, USA, UK, Canada, Japan, China, France, Germany, Brazil and South Korea, and will be available to more countries soon, with additional upgrades already in development.
The App has undergone vigorous testing to ensure the accuracy of data, which is stored securely in the phone, meaning it can be accessed offline.
Speaking at the launch via video link, the Hon Wyatt Roy MP, Assistant Minister for Innovation, said Travel Aware is a great step forward for Australian travellers as well as a good example of new technology being developed in Australia.
“I think it’s a really exciting app. As the Prime Minister talks about, if we embrace technology change then we can create future prosperity, driving the economic growth of our country, and that’s exactly what Travel Aware has done,” said Mr Roy.
Dr David Gillespie MP, Federal Member for Lyne commended Neil Wallace from Port Macquarie and Foild from Taree on the design and development of the app.
“It removes the stress of travelling, providing everything you need to know in a foreign country, at your fingertips,” Dr Gillespie said.
John Joyce, Managing Director of Port Macquarie Travel said first time and experienced travellers will benefit from Travel Aware.
“I see the main benefit as accessing vital information quickly and overcoming language barriers,” Mr Joyce said.
“I have been in travel for over 40 years and I will be recommending my clients don’t leave home without Travel Aware. It’s the best thing I’ve seen.”
Travel Aware is available for Apple and Android phones for $3.99, which includes future upgrades including additional countries and translation languages.
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Michelle Newman, Newman Communications
0412 044 471, michelle@newmancommunications.com.au