Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts announced the first-ever integration of virtual reality (VR) experiences into worldwide hotel sales efforts. This initiative will benefit meeting planners as they gain access to tools that will aid them in their decision-making.
The group has rolled out Samsung Gear VR headsets and produced immersive 360-degree videos for over a quarter of its 94 hotels and resorts. Nearly half of the hotel portfolio will have VR videos available by January, with full roll-out to be completed in 2016.
Powered by Oculus, the Gear VR headsets enable travel advisors, meeting planners and potential corporate clients to virtually experience Shangri-La hotels and destinations around the world.
They will be used as promotional and educational tools at tradeshows, industry events and sales meetings, instantly "transporting" advisors to places such as the rooftop of Jokhang Temple in Lhasa or the Grand Ballroom in Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong. Travel advisors will also be able to share the 360-degree videos with their customers via www.shangri-la.com/VR.
"Shangri-La is investing significantly in technology and the future of travel content, which is why we are embracing virtual reality on this scale," said Steven Taylor, chief marketing officer of Shangri-La International Hotel Management Ltd. "The technology has evolved so that it is now affordable, light and portable; virtual reality is on the cusp of becoming more mainstream.
"Travel experts play a critical role in their fields and the traveller's decision-making process. This is why our first VR efforts are focused on them," said Taylor.