24 June 2011 Last updated at 11:39 ET

NI smartphone tourist apps launched by Arlene Foster

The apps are available for both Android and iPhone

Tourists can now get the most of Northern Ireland using not just one, but four new smartphone apps unveiled on Friday by Tourism Minister Arlene Foster.

The free apps provide tourists with a wide range of services, including information on attractions, accommodation and things to do throughout Northern Ireland.

Available to download now from the Android Market and iPhone App Store, the apps on offer are:

• Pocket Northern Ireland - which consists of a detailed tourist map, audio commentary and information on various attractions
• Take a Hike - a walking app which will help visitors search for and share information on the best walking trails in Northern Ireland
• My Tour Talk - includes sample driving and walking tours and information on attractions and accommodation
• View Ranger - offers outdoors enthusiasts mapping, guides and trip-sharing ideas.

Supported by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, the new smart phone apps were chosen in a competition run by the Technology Strategy Board.

The aim was to enable small technology businesses to provide solutions to specific public sector challenges.

Arlene Foster said the project "set a challenge to our brightest software developers and tourism providers to help promote the best of Northern Ireland".

"Initiatives such as this enhance the visitor experience here and can help entice greater numbers of domestic and international tourists to come and experience what's on offer," she said.

"I am sure that this is the first of a number of projects where Northern Ireland government in partnership with the Technology Strategy Board will use procurement to stimulate the private sector and especially our small businesses."