Customers given tours of Thomas Cook resort – from Kent
Thomas Cook has launched its first trial of virtual reality technology at its new Concept Store in Bluewater, where customers can experience a 360-degree tour of one of its resorts.
They virtual reality technology is also being used to give customers a feel for Thomas Cook Airline’s in-flight experience.
Customers are given a head mounted virtual reality 3D display, which features an ultra-wide field of view. This, combined with bespoke audio and a bespoke scent, will allow them to ‘explore’ a SENTIDO resort.
"The technology advancements in virtual reality over the last 18 months have made it a real contender for playing a key role in changing the way we can showcase experience-based products to our customers, especially in the high street environment," said John Straw, chairman of Thomas Cook’s Digital Advisory Board.
"We have a roadmap to move forwards into more testing which looks at how we integrate innovative content into a virtual experience for our customers across Europe."
Future plans include offering virtual reality tours of New York City later this year, tying in with the company’s strategic partnership with BrandUSA promoting America’s ‘Great Outdoors’ as well as Thomas Cook’s flights and holidays to the Big Apple.
Joanna Wild, managing director of the Thomas Cook and The Co-operative retail network, said: "This trial is an industry first which, using developing technologies, demonstrates our ambition to leverage digital advancements to further improve the customer experience – in this instance to enhance what our customers experience in retail today and in the years to come."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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