Quality accommodation now an sms away

According to says managing director Vanessa Sand, the accommodation industry in South Africa and its support systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated by the day. "Consumers have so many choices - not only in terms of products but also how they can acquire them. We believe YOU-ASKED will give a new dimension to travel in South Africa... Consumers can now make enquiries anyplace, anytime, anywhere."

Consumers can now send an sms to 36230 with a concise description of their needs - indicating the type of accommodation, the area or town, their arrival and departure dates, the number of people in the group, the approximate price range and any special facilities that may be required.

The You-Asked system, which is supported by Cointel, searches its own database of AA Quality Assured establishments and sends off requests via sms. Should the establishments be in a position to accommodate the guests, they respond back to the system, which then sends all responses received to the potential guest, with the names and telephone numbers of the establishments attached. It is then up to the requester to make the booking.