Melbourne Travel Project uses VR to showcase destinations in bid to encourage bookings
Borders may be shut and planes grounded but a Mornington business has found a way for customers to indulge their wanderlust at home. The travel agency is offering everything from family adventures in Disneyland to skydiving over Dubai – all for just $36.
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An innovative Mornington travel agency is reinventing the traditional brochure with the latest in Virtual Reality technology.
From today customers will be able to order VR headsets from Melbourne Travel Project and download up to 80 immersive experiences.
Co-owner Matt Coyle said the business had been offering the tech instore to allow customers to “try before they buy” and its popularity had prompted him to find a way to expand the service.
“We’ve had customers book whole trips or change destinations after using the VR technology,” he said.
“It’s so much more powerful than a brochure with a couple of small photos and a few words.”
Mr Coyle, who opened Melbourne Travel Project with wife in November 2019, said the VR initiative was a way to build a connection with customers and satisfy their wanderlust until coronavirus travel restrictions eased.
“The headsets we use instore are expensive but we found a Brisbane business that could supply us with Google Cardboard 2.0 headsets.
“They are sturdy enough to hold your phone and have good quality lenses that allow for a really immersive visual experience and we’re selling them for $36.”
Customers who buy the headsets from Melbourne Travel Project are given free access to up to 80 experiences on the business’ website which they can view via a VR app.
Vision includes climbing Mt Everest, cruising in a vintage convertible through the streets of Cuba and gliding above Cappadocia, Turkey, in a hot-air balloon.
“We also cater for families with Disney experiences that put you alongside the famous characters in the parade,” Mr Coyle said.
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Thrill seekers can get their rush with a Wingsuit Skydive over Dubai or a ride on Las Vegas’ infamous New York New York Rollercoaster.
Melbourne Travel Project also offers bespoke VR experiences.
Mr Coyle while VR technology had been embraced by real estate agents, it was not commonly used in the travel industry.
“We were one of the first to use it in store and I know we are the only travel agency sourcing the cardboard headsets from our Brisbane supplier.”
Details: melbournetravelproject.com.au/