Campers flipping through the new print edition of the 2011 Kampgrounds of America Directory will notice something different: Microsoft Tags that connect directory content with online extras such as photographs, videos, and internet specials.
“Adding nearly 500 Microsoft Tags to our new directory gives campers a way to directly access more information about our campgrounds than we would ever be able to print,” says Mike Gast, vice president of communications for Kampgrounds of America (KOA). “Our directory includes more Microsoft Tags than any other publication.”
The 2011 KOA Directory includes complete descriptions of all 474 KOA locations in North America, as well as detailed driving directions and locator maps. Each campground listing has a Tag that, when scanned with a smartphone, takes campers to a mobile site where they can view additional content specific to that location, such as photographs, videos, and up-to-date “Hot Deals.” More than 1 million copies of the directory will be distributed at campgrounds and mailed to campers.
“We chose the Microsoft Tag technology because we are quickly able to change a Tag’s destination on the internet, if need be,” Gast says. “Tags allow us to keep the experience fresh for our campers. This is just the beginning of the blending of our printed directory and our online content.”
What do you think about KOA’s use of Tags? Have more ideas about using Tags in other types of publications? Let us know in the comments below or on Tag’s Facebook or Twitter pages.