Ranchi, Nov. 11: Travel information, ideal holiday spots, tour packages, ringtones based on traditional music… All this and more will be on cellphone soon, courtesy the tourism department that’s now serious about promoting the state’s tourist potential via mobiles.

Once implemented, Jharkhand will be the second state after Karnataka to launch “mobile tourism”, which will come at an initial expense of Rs 30-Rs 35 lakh.

This apart, it will also put in place a 24-hour tourist helpline that promises to tackle any exigency that an unsuspecting traveller may face.

“Using mobile technology, the state plans to communicate with its target audience in a one-to-one manner and promote Jharkhand as a top tourist destination to potential tourists across the nation,” said Arun Kumar Singh, the secretary of tourism and planning.

The system operates on state-of-the-art technology, said Singh, but added that its use would be quite simple. “While a number of private parties has taken to this system, few state governments have thought on these lines,” he said.

Potential tourists will be prompted to press a number for specific information on say, a particular region, its tourist destinations, local culture, transportation, accommodation and local cuisine. The system will be available across cellular networks.

Singh seemed particularly excited about the ringtones. “Promotional ringtones highlighting tribal art and culture will be available for anyone who wants it,” he said.

“Just ask for some traditional songs in Nagpuri and other local languages like Kuduk, Santhali, Ho, Khadiya, Mundar and Panchparganiyan and they will be on your phone, complete with beats of the mandar, nagara and dhol,” Singh promised.

The idea, he said, was to promote the beauty, cultural and historical heritage and ethnicity of the state of Jharkhand.

An added attraction would be the 24-hour helpline. A computerised control room would be based within the tourism department and those manning it will have the means of helping tourists with whatever emergency they may have.

“Right from organising security or medical aid to rescuing someone who may be lost in the jungles, help will be a phone call away,” promised Singh.

Singh was confident of launching mobile tourism by January 2009 since tourism minister Harinarayan Rai is supportive of the project. “We will invite tenders immediately after the minister gives his approval and place the work order after that,” added Singh.