Close X
Friday, November 29, 2024
ADVT 
National

Watch: B.C. Uses Oculus Rift VR Tech To Offer Virtual Rides, Hikes In Tourism Pitch

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 18 May, 2015 10:51 AM
    VICTORIA — Don a headset and zoom off in a sea-spraying skiff ride up British Columbia's wild coast, or feel the moisture hanging just above your shoulders in a hike through the Great Bear Rainforest.
     
    B.C.'s tourism marketing Crown corporation, Destination BC, is offering potential tourists a preview of what the province has to offer with a 360-degree video using Oculus Rift virtual reality technology.
     
    Viewers can virtually jump in as the skiff makes its way to Nimmo Bay, past barking sea lions and the ever changing blue-green hues of the ocean.
     
    "We were the first destination in North America to have a virtual reality tour," says Maria Greene, Destination BC marketing director.
     
    "Experiences like Nimmo Bay and all of our West Coast lodges — that offer amazing wildlife viewing and wonderful fishing and hiking and outdoor experiences — are huge draws for tourists."
     
    She said the virtual tours are being used as marketing tools at national and international tourism trade shows. Greene said it's only a matter of time before virtual reality tours become the latest version of traditional marketing brochures.
     
    "The area of the Great Bear Rainforest was one of many examples of fantastic locations in British Columbia that really show the essence of what B.C. has to offer," said Greene.
     
     
    "We had a crew that went into the area and used GoPro cameras and drones. We had guides to make sure we didn't impact the natural surroundings."
     
    The virtual tours are an innovative and exciting way to showcase B.C. as a place to visit, said Tourism Victoria's chief executive officer Paul Nursey.
     
    "We have to stand out because every country, every city, every big company like Disney and all the cruise lines are competing for the top time and attention of buyers and travellers," he said.
     
    "We have to find a way to be innovative and different. If you are just another trade show stand, with just another brochure, you are nothing."
     
    Nursey said the virtual tours help make emotional connections with tourists. They can immerse the senses with a personal, real-life experience.
     
    "It's meant to capture attention and create buzz," he said. 
     
    "You have to differentiate yourself. We have beautiful mountains, but so does Chile."
     
    On the rainforest hike, a waterfall cascades in the distance. No other person or building can be seen as the hikers traverse the mountainside trail.
     
    The hikers and boat riders end their adventures at Nimmo Bay, sitting on the wharf in the middle of nowhere as the ocean shimmers in the moonlight.
     
    To see a video about the making of The Wild Within VR Experience, 

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Vancouver Business Association Appeals Homeless Discrimination Ruling

    Vancouver Business Association Appeals Homeless Discrimination Ruling
    VANCOUVER — An association representing Vancouver businesses is appealing a B.C. Supreme Court ruling that found its street patrol program discriminates against homeless people.

    Vancouver Business Association Appeals Homeless Discrimination Ruling

    Government Supports Motion To Remove Federal Tax On Feminine Products

    Government Supports Motion To Remove Federal Tax On Feminine Products
    OTTAWA — The Harper government says it supports a House of Commons motion calling for the removal of the federal tax on tampons.

    Government Supports Motion To Remove Federal Tax On Feminine Products

    Harper Appears Unmoved Following Omar Khadr's Release On Bail, Public Statements

    Harper Appears Unmoved Following Omar Khadr's Release On Bail, Public Statements
    "Mr. Khadr, as we all know, pled guilty to very grave crimes, including murder," Harper told a news conference as he offered his thoughts and prayers to the family members of U.S. Sgt. Christopher Speer.

    Harper Appears Unmoved Following Omar Khadr's Release On Bail, Public Statements

    Prentice Should Foot Bill For Calgary Byelection He's Causing: Taxpayers Group

    CALGARY — The Canadian Taxpayers Federation says outgoing Alberta premier Jim Prentice should reach into his own pocket to cover the cost of a byelection in his riding.

    Prentice Should Foot Bill For Calgary Byelection He's Causing: Taxpayers Group

    Tory MPs Continue To Share Tales Of Duffy's Star Power As Trial Set To Break

    Tory MPs Continue To Share Tales Of Duffy's Star Power As Trial Set To Break
    OTTAWA — On a summer Friday in 2009, Mike Duffy climbed into former Tory MP Dean Del Mastro's red muscle car and the two drove from Ottawa to Del Mastro's home riding of Peterborough, Ont.

    Tory MPs Continue To Share Tales Of Duffy's Star Power As Trial Set To Break

    Harper Takes The High Road On Alberta Election; Wants To Work With Notley

    Harper Takes The High Road On Alberta Election; Wants To Work With Notley
    OTTAWA — Prime Minister Stephen Harper says he is looking forward to working with incoming Alberta premier Rachel Notley.

    Harper Takes The High Road On Alberta Election; Wants To Work With Notley