NEWPORT -- Discovering Delaware went digital to celebrate National American Beer Day as the Delaware Tourism Office (Visit Delaware) unveiled Delaware on Tap, the new smartphone application version of the state's popular Beer, Wine & Spirits Trail.
The office showcased the app, which is available for free download in the App Store and from Google Play, at Bellefonte Brewing Company Friday morning along with Gov. John Carney and Secretary of State Jeff Bullock, State Sen. Anthony Delcollo and Neil Shea, CEO of Bellefonte.
"Delaware's more than $3-billion tourism industry is a key driver of the state's economy, and our thriving craft beverage industry is an important element of that," said Gov. Carney. "Finding new and innovative ways to draw Delawareans and visitors into these small businesses helps to ensure the industry's growth continues."
Delaware on Tap guides visitors and residents through completing the trail. After a user creates an account, the app uses geo-location to allow them to "check in" at a site.
Once they have checked in at any ten craft beverage makers on the trail, the user will receive a prize from the Delaware Tourism Office "“ a commemorative, glass beer mug. Plus, the first 100 people to complete the trail via the app will get a growler cooler bag.
"As the craft beverage industry evolves, so does the Beer, Wine & Spirits Trail," said Liz Keller, Delaware tourism director. "Visitors wanted a smartphone-friendly way to take the trail. We made it happen. Delaware on Tap follows the tourism office's philosophy of listening to consumers and providing them what they need to enhance their visit to the state."
The app provides travelers with the opportunity to find what's nearby, upcoming events, suggestions for places to dine or stay, deals and transportation offerings, including tours and Uber.
The trail started in 2010 with 12 locations, all breweries and wineries. At the time it was called the Delaware Wine & Ale Trail. Since then the trail has grown to include more than two dozen businesses "“ breweries, wineries, distilleries, cideries and meaderies. The trail passport has racked up 7,200 downloads in seven years "“ a rate of three downloads every day.
The Beer, Wine and Spirits Trail is one of the Visit Delaware's five Trails of Discovery. Each gives tourists a unique and thematic way to see the state. The other four trails are: history, outdoor, geocaching and culinary.
