Webbys name best travel-related websites and mobile apps
A location-based tour guide that provides mini history lessons on a user's immediate surroundings has been named the best mobile app in travel at the 19th edition of the Webby Awards.
Developed by American network A+E, which is behind The History Channel and Biography Channel, the GPS-enabled History Here app serves as a personal tour guide and mobile library, arming curious tourists with the historical significance of the landmark in front of them and the monument behind them.
While History Here was given the Webby for best mobile handheld app, online booking site Kayak took the People’s Voice award in the same category.
The New York Times also emerged a big winner at this year’s Webbys, taking the award for best website and best online film and video.
Created for news junkies and history buffs with a case of wanderlust, Times Journeys -- named the best travel website -- offers travel itineraries with Times journalists who can offer added insight into local areas.
In June, for instance, Latin American specialist and reporter Anthony DePalma will serve as tour guide and local expert on a nine-day trip to Cuba, a destination that is opening up to American travelers this year, following a diplomatic overture made by President Barack Obama.
Likewise, in the category of best online film and video, the Times' popular 36 Hours series, five to six-minute videos highlighting the best of destinations, was given the top nod.
The People’s Voice award in that category, however, went to a cheeky advertisement by the Costa Rican tourism board that pokes fun at overworked, overstressed humans in the video “Save the Americans: Costa Rican Animals for the Overworked.”
Watch the video at bit.ly/1DGClGa.
