Potential of virtual worlds for tourism

Immersive Technology Strategieswww.davidwortley.com

Bucharest Tourism Conference

Potential of Virtual Worlds for TourismDavid Wortley FRSA


Topics Introduction Tourism and Communications

TechnologiesVirtual Worlds and Immersive

Technologies in Tourism, Culture & Heritage

Future Developments


Introduction


Serious Games Institute (SGI)

“An international centre of excellence for the application of electronic games and virtual worlds to

serious social and economic issues”


West Midlands Region


Coventry


Coventry


Stratford upon Avon


Communications Technology & Culture, Heritage & Tourism


The Thomas Cook Story

“Harnessing the power of steam to open up opportunities to experience new worlds and cultures ”


The Thomas Cook StoryEngaging Experiences which are :- Attractive Accessible Affordable

“Thomas Cook had a passion to make the world a better place through the use of a communications

network”


Lessons from History

“Every advance in communications technology has led to increased trade and travel”


Stratford Unplugged

“Communications technology enriching the tourist experience through location based services”


Key Message

New Communications Technologies can make travel and tourism more attractive,

accessible and affordable


Virtual Worlds & Immersive Technologies in Tourism, Culture & Heritage


What are Virtual Worlds (Spaces) ?

“Connecting people, ideas, emotions, dreams virtually”


Immersive Technologies

Games Virtual Worlds Social Networks

Immersive Technologies engage our hearts, minds and wallets


Engaging Immersive Technologies

Video GamesSocial NetworksVirtual WorldsDigital EarthMash-ups


Video Game Technologies

“Introducing new cultures and heritage”


Social Networks





GPS Cameras and Photosynth

“Collaborative 3D immersive environments”


Virtual Worlds

Create opportunities to explore and meet


Virtual Bucharest


Make the Inaccessible Accessible

Recreate long-lost places


Make the Inaccessible Accessible

Where Science and Art come together


Digital Earth and Streetview

Be there without being there


Mash-ups

Blending Second Life with Google Earth & Maps


Tourism Serious Games

Training Hotel Staff on Guest Relations


Generation Y Digital Native

Digital Natives expect rich experiences


Key Message

Video Games, Social Networks and Virtual Worlds create engagement, experience,

emotions and desire


Future Developments


The Thomas Cook Lesson

Engaging Experiences which are :- Attractive Accessible Affordable

The Thomas Cook Strategy is still valid


Technology is Taking us There More Attractive experiences

– Faster broadband– Richer graphics– 3D environments

More Accessible interfaces– Microsoft Kinect– Brainwave control– Sensors and Personalisation

More Affordable– Mixed and augmented reality travel


Richer Experiences

The Video Games Industry is driving rich immersion


New Interface Devices

New Devices give easy access for all generations


Importance of Interfaces

Interfaces to technology should not be barriers


Mobile Devices

Mobile devices will be a gateway to future tourism


Connecting the Physical & Virtual

We can already used mixed reality


Connecting the Physical & Virtual

Augmented reality enriches the experience


Summary and Conclusion


Summary and Conclusion

Communications technologies will always be a driver for tourism

Immersive technologies can stimulate desire to travel but also deliver tourism experience without travel

Key to success is attraction (engagement, rich experience), accessibility (minimising barriers) and affordability


Any Questions ?


Bucharest Tourism Conference

Potential of Virtual Worlds for TourismDavid Wortley FRSA