More Protection Announced for 150,000 US Citizens Visiting South Africa for Soccer World Cup

GARDEN GROVE, Calif., June 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Trafficmaster and Teletrac, global leaders in GPS "location intelligence" services, today announced availability of a smartphone-based service designed to help protect Americans traveling to South Africa for World Cup 2010. South Africa is reported to have the 10th highest crime rate per capita across 60 developed and developing countries. Reports of muggings, pickpockets and even car hijackings are common place. Consequently many World Cup visitors will understandably be wary of travelling to and across South Africa to watch the USA play. This new smart phone service from Trafficmaster and Teletrac, provides 24 hour security, helping you in any emergency.  

International Rescue is the first ever smart phone emergency and concierge travel service in the world. It is supported by round the clock teams of travel experts in the UK, as well as travel teams located in over 40 countries and staffed 24/7.

The South African service partners with a specialist security and emergency response company that is used to dealing with crime and emergencies in this part of the world. They even have a fleet of armed helicopters that can provide immediate emergency response.  So whatever the crisis, whether it is a medical emergency, a bus crash in the bush, a mugging in Port Elizabeth or a car theft in Cape Town, International Rescue is on hand to help.

Comprehensive International Rescue also handles less dramatic situations for subscribers.  Its concierge service is staffed by personal assistants with deep knowledge of South Africa.  Need to find a pub on the spur of the moment that serves American food?  Hotels nearest the soccer stadium that have vacancies?  The concierge team can direct you anytime day or night. "So whatever the need," says Drew Hamilton, executive vice president, Teletrac, "whether it's a medical emergency, a bus crash in the bush, a mugging in Port Elizabeth or a car theft in Cape Town, International Rescue is on hand to help via your smartphone."

All International Rescue country local teams speak English and can liaison between you, US embassies, the police, border controls and emergency services such as ambulance, fire, mountain rescue and coast guard.  International Rescue is available as part of the Trafficmaster Companion suite of travel services.  It can be uploaded on iPhone, Blackberry, Symbian and Windows based smartphones.

Tony Eales, Chief Executive of Trafficmaster, says: "South Africa has had a lot of bad press regarding its high crime rates. Clearly there will be potential problems, and the stress will be exacerbated because tourists won't know who to turn to or the towns' local policing resources may be stretched. This is where International Rescue comes to the forefront. It is supported by a specialist emergency response team who is used to dealing with anything from assaults, car hijacks through to lost passports and lost people. What's more, it is simply accessible from your smartphone, so no need to remember numbers or take any additional documentation with you."

To provide quick and professional assistance International Rescue collates and securely stores personal information from you that will only be used in an emergency. This data includes passport number, next of kin, blood group, allergies, current medication and insurance details.

For those fans travelling to South Africa to watch the USA, International Rescue also provides a "quick tip" travel guide.

International Rescue costs $11.99 a month or $89.99 a year on Blackberry. For the application to be downloaded on the iPhone it costs $16.99 a month or $109.99 a year. The service can be downloaded from the iTunes store, the Blackberry Appstore and the Trafficmaster website.  Calls to the emergency and concierge teams are charged at US and local landline rates.

For more information about International Rescue go to the website:  

www.trafficmaster.co.uk/internationalrescue

About Trafficmaster

Trafficmaster was founded in 1988 and floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1994.  Teletrac Inc is a wholly owned US subsidiary company. www.trafficmaster.co.uk

About Fleet Director and Teletrac

Already proven and trusted by more than 10,000 fleets in the US alone, Fleet Director saves fleet owners time, money, and reduces their carbon footprint. Teletrac customers report up to 30% lower fuel usage, an average of 15% less driver overtime, 12% higher productivity and less unauthorized vehicle use.

Fleet Director has been recognized by Fleet News Magazine winning its prestigious 2009 Fleet Van Technology Initiative of the Year Award as well as the Fleet Van Award for 2008 Technology of The Year.  Additionally, Fleet Director is the recipient of the 2009 Green Business Award from Management Today and 2009 IT and Communications Product of The Year from Green Fleet Magazine. These are particularly significant as they recognize pioneers of environmental fleet management.

Teletrac, Inc., headquartered in Garden Grove, CA. is a wholly owned subsidiary of UK-based Trafficmaster, Plc.   For additional information, visit www.teletrac.net,  contact Teletrac at 1-817-323-1448, or via e-mail at [email protected]

SOURCE Teletrac