"ALL WILDWOODS. ALL RIGHT HERE."
That's the signature of the newly-launched Wildwoods Vacation app, now available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
The concept is essentially a pocket-sized resort visitor guide on your phone — but with considerably more functionality than the traditional brochures and coupon books generations of vacationers have picked up after arriving on the island.
Created by Boardwalk Media Group and managed by the Greater Wildwood Hotel & Motel Association (GWHMA), the app cultivates essential info on hotels, restaurants, attractions, events, entertainment, discounts and more in an interactive, easy-to-use format.
"An island-wide application for the Wildwoods has been sorely needed. It's something visitors expect and look for, so we're excited to now have an all-inclusive resource that will allow users to not only browse motels, hotels and restaurants, but be able to see what events are occurring on a regular basis and other resort info," said Louis Belasco, Executive Director of the Greater Wildwood Tourism & Improvement Development Authority (GWTIDA).
Added Bob Sahasaylo, GWHMA Executive Director: "We are very excited for all visitors of the Wildwoods to enjoy the new Wildwoods Vacation app. We hope this enhances their vacation and allows families to have all the information needed in one easy to use app on their phone."
One of the primary features of the app is the ability to plan and book a Wildwoods vacation directly. Visitors can browse accommodations and book stays directly, with the app promoting rates that may be better than those offered through national third-party travel sites.
Dining is integrated as well. Restaurant listings allow users to view menus, place online orders and, where available, make reservations.
For visitors already on the island, an interactive Wildwoods map provides an easy way to find nearby restaurants, attractions, shops and other businesses. "This is a particularly strong and useful feature, providing users with an immediate guide to what's nearby wherever they are - or wherever they're heading to - on the island," noted Belasco.
The app also serves as a central hub for activities and entertainment. Events throughout the Wildwoods are collected into one listing, while schedules for live entertainment at local bars and restaurants will be updated weekly. Tickets for attractions and watersports can also be purchased directly through the app.
Another feature that should appeal to both visitors and local businesses is a collection of digital coupons. Users can redeem participating offers on their phones and present them when making a purchase or paying a restaurant bill.
And rather than having to repeatedly search for the same places, users can tap the heart icon on a business profile or event to save it to a personal Favorites section. Meanwhile, the "filter" system allows for easy specific searches, such as pet friendly hotels and restaurants.
Taken together, the goal of the app is fairly simple: consolidate the many pieces of information visitors typically search for across multiple websites, social media pages and travel platforms into a single Wildwoods-specific resource.
"The Wildwoods Vacation app is invaluable in that regard, comprehensive but easy to use, and very well laid out," said Ben Rose, Director of Marketing & Public Relations for GWTIDA. "It has everything you need to plan your Wildwood stay and offers a multitude of options to enhance your experience while you're here."
For local businesses, the platform offers another way to reach visitors while they’re actively deciding where to stay, eat, shop and spend their time.
Businesses interested in being added to the Wildwoods Vacation app can contact the Wildwoods Welcome Center at 609-522-4546 or info@wildwoods.org.
DOWNLOAD the Wildwoods Vacation App
iPhone — Apple App Store
Android — Googled Play Store
