Tourism Victoria is using the live video streaming app Periscope to promote Melbourne. But can travel agents use the app to sell more travel?
Play Melbourne Live, which is the latest part of a Play Melbourne campaign by Tourism Victoria, will broadcast a series of events, stories, people and places from Melbourne to the world, live and completely unfiltered, to give viewers a real and authentic glimpse into the “world’s most livable city.”
Periscope users will gain exclusive access to the world-premiere of Andy Warhol / Ai Weiwei at National Gallery of Victoria, a ground pass to the Australian Open, a back stage pass at the runway of the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival, plus much more as part of the five-year campaign.
The use of Periscope, which is owned by Twitter and available on both iPhone and Android smartphones, is an exciting example of how technology can help promote local tourism.
But could it also be used by travel agents to sell more travel. Just imagine using the app to sell Fiji to a potential customer, by connecting to a live stream on a Fijian beach? Or perhaps Bali? Customers will be able to see, and hear, the waves lapping on the shore against a clear blue sky.
Travel agents could also use the app to sell bustling New York City by linking to a live steam of Times Square. The potential uses of the app are virtually endless.
On the topic of virtual, just weeks ago Flight Centre announced the roll out of a new VR experience in Singapore. The aim of the new technology is to transport customers to a destination (virtually, of course) in a bid to provide a seamless end-to-end travel experience that begins in-store, and ultimately increase more sales.
However, with Periscope, any travel agent – anywhere – can use the app to give customers a glimpse into what their next holiday may look and sound like.
Have you tried using Periscope to sell more travel? Let us know what you think.