Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - According to the Departments of Tourism for Jalisco and Nayarit states, every year a combined 5.8 million national and international tourists visit the Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit regions. Some bring traditional guidebooks, but savvy travelers know that digital information is timely, flexible, fresh, and portable.

Smartphone users are accustomed to receiving relevant information on their devices but the risk of roaming charges makes many travel and guide applications impractical. With the When in Phone – PVR (WiP-PVR) application, launching in early 2012, both tourists and residents will have access to full-featured, media-rich information, specials, maps, and tours, all prepared by locals, for free, in English and Spanish, and available offline on their iPhone, iPad, Android, or Blackberry.

WiP-PVR will be the first of a series of Mexico-focused city apps designed to enhance the experience of tourists and locals alike. In the tradition of existing travel applications, WiP-PVR will include custom information by local content experts, specials, maps, itineraries and video, conveniently available in the palm of their users’ hands.

Restaurant information for Nuevo Vallarta is no good if you’re in Olas Altas, which is why WiP-PVR developed GPS-powered ‘near-me’ functionality. ‘near-me’ lets users search restaurants, hotels, attractions, or specials nearby – and results are served on a custom map. For tourists and locals, ‘near-me’ is a way to explore by proximity. For advertisers, it’s a significant competitive advantage.

All information – including interactive maps – will be available offline, taking the possibility of roaming charges out of the equation, and encouraging users to experience the city fearlessly. WiP-PVR content is continuously refreshed, and users can choose to update at their convenience, while in a Wi-Fi zone.

WiP-PVR is all about reach. Puerto Vallarta hosts national and international visitors, so this app will be available in English and Spanish. Just as importantly, When in Phone will be available for iPhone, iPad, Android, and Blackberry – platforms which, according to recent numbers by Neilsen, make up over 85% of the smartphone market.

When in Phone’s mission is to take city apps to a new level by offering free, offline service with revolutionary ‘near-me’ functionality. WiP-PVR will provide an insider’s guide to Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit.