Qantas Immerses Travellers In Aussie Destinations With New Virtual Reality App
Qantas has launched a new virtual reality app, Qantas VR, giving customers an interactive new way to discover and explore destinations before physically travelling there.
Travellers who are curious about travelling to Australia can now experience a series of immersive 360° videos shot at places like Uluru, Hamilton Island and Sydney Harbour.
The Qantas VR app is among the first to leverage Start VR’s proprietary Startgate VR publishing platform which is quickly becoming the standard tool for brands and content creators to build their own virtual reality experiences.
The app is available now for iOS, Android and the virtual reality platforms of Samsung Gear VR, the Oculus Rift (soon) and HTC Vive (soon).
The application is designed to work for all smartphone users with a a built in VR mode for switching between 2D “Magic Window” and a 3D mode for VR headsets.
A unique ‘Book Now’ button takes the user straight to the appropriate flight booking details page as the primary call to action.
Qantas first offered virtual reality to customers last year, trialling an industry-first virtual reality experience with Samsung Gear VR headsets in its First-Class cabin and Lounges. Videos explore areas such as Kakadu National Park and the Field of Light at Uluru (above), the Harbour Bridge Climb and Sydney Harbour, helicopters over Northern Territory (below) and Hamilton Island Escape in Queensland.
Qantas Group executive brand, marketing, corporate affairs, Olivia Wirth, said the app is an innovative way for travellers to plan their trip to Australia.
“Our aim with the new virtual reality app is to connect with travellers by showcasing parts of Australia they may not be familiar with.
“Customers loved our trial of VR headsets last year, but we wanted to take it to another level and make it more accessible. Anyone with an iPhone or Android phone can take a virtual tour of Kakadu National Park, for instance, then book a flight directly from the app and see it in person,” she said.
Kain Tietzel, CEO, Start VR, added, “For the first time, we are able to share the story of Australia to an international audience in a way that is more intimate, engaging and interactive than we have been able to tell it before.
“The amazing audio and visuals offer international travellers to Australia a new insight into our culture, heritage and local stories. New videos will be released every month offering audiences with a steady flow of incredible travel content.”
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
qantas Qantas Virtual Reality Smart VR VRLatest News
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit ALASKA on 11-day Famil
Holland America Line is offering Australian and New Zealand agents a chance to win a spot on its upcoming Alaska trip as part of its ‘Time of Your Life in ALASKA’ competition. Bookings are open from 9 April to 3 May 2024, the ‘Time of Your Life in ALASKA’ competition will include a spot on […]
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
The biggest names in luxury travel came together last night to celebrate the industry’s top agents. In its 12th year, Best of the Best is an event series that brings together the Best of the Best in hotels, cruise, and travel advisor partners. The evening saw 65 luxury travel agents attend a private dinner at the ACE Hotel in Sydney with partners Anthony Knox & Associates, […]
Vivid entice globally-renowned chefs for Vivid Food 2024
From near and far, some of the hottest names in the culinary world will appear at Vivid Sydney this year as part of Vivid Food, embracing the festival’s 2024 theme, ‘humanity’, and highlighting food as a fundamental part of the human experience, connecting us all through the universal language of cuisine. This year’s roster of […]
Air New Zealand returns to Hobart and Seoul
Air New Zealand will resume flying to Hobart, it revealed today in its summer schedule update. It also announced it will be returning to Korean capital Seoul. Both the Auckland to Hobart and Auckland to Seoul routes will be seasonal services, with Air New Zealand operating three direct flights a week to each destination over the summer […]
European Waterways targets multi-generational families with ‘Floating Villa’ deal
In today’s fast-paced world, finding quality time for multi-generational bonding can be a challenge. European Waterways’ hotel barge cruises offer families the opportunity to enjoy the ultimate luxury vacation with a private charter experience. They say “it’s like having your own private ‘floating villa’ in a different village every day, made extra special by a […]
Luxury Escapes launches ‘sail away’ sale
Luxury Escapes has announced its biggest cruise event of the year. The limited-time Sail Away Sale gives cruisers the chance to experience luxury at a cheaper price point. The selection of handpicked offers include exclusive add-ons such as generous onboard credit, bonus value, pre & post-cruise stays, and more. Destinations including Europe, Asia, Australia, and […]
Rex-owned National Jet Express (NJE) adds weekly charter between Brisbane and Orange
National Jet Express (NJE), a Rex Group member, today announced the commencement of weekly charter services between Brisbane and Orange in NSW for mining and civil contractor These services represent NJE’s eighth destination on the East Coast since commencing services from Brisbane in July 2023, and its first port in NSW. “We are delighted to […]
Bonza hires restructuring advisory amid turbulence at Miami-based owner 777 Partners
The financiers of low-cost regional airline Bonza have hired restructuring advisory KordaMentha to give them advice on the operations of the airline. Bonza, which launched in January last year, is a budget airline based on the Gold Coast. They fly to regional areas such as Cairns but do not fly to Sydney or Brisbane (they […]
Let the games begin. Viking introduces eye-watering benefits for the industry’s top 10 advisors
Did someone say 'trip to Venice'? Hold my coat, this one is far too good to miss!
Best friends or frenemies? What is the REAL relationship between sales and marketing?
We can all stop fighting over the corner office because our mothers were right - we are all important in our own way.
The Walshe Group Announces Two Key Appointments
What we really want to know is whether they got joint or separate welcome parties.
FAMIL: Agents explore the delights of Mauritius on 7-day tour
Go green with envy as you read this fabulous itinerary! Time to book that second honeymoon.
Hamad International recognised as world’s best airport at 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards
Hamad airport is so good it is almost considered a destination in itself. Ballina, up your game.
Saudi Arabia highlights tourism investment opportunities at global investment event
Now is the time to start looking at Saudi Arabia if you are not already. There's big things to come.
“Rampant” – Aussies warned as dengue fever cases spike in Bali
Worried about Bali belly? Now you have something else to worry about.
TTC Tour Brand reveals slew of deals across operators including Trafalgar and Contiki
Everybody loves a bargain and you could do lot a lot worse than check out these deals from TTC!
Fiji Airways partners with Porter Airlines in US growth bid
Any initiative that gets more people visiting the delights of Fiji is a good initiative.
Flight Centre launches CruiseHQ – a marketplace exclusively for agents
The cruise industry has surpassed pre-Covid levels so this isn't one to miss!
Feeling festive? Wendy Wu tours unwraps Christmas collection
Get the Christmas hols booked now and avoid spending it with that elderly relative with dubious political views.
OPINION: In a world of screens, we crave experience
If you get feelings of deep shame and regret when you see your screen time, don't worry - you're not alone.
Sun Princess: High-end dining and world class entertainment awaits
If you are a foodie and you are not currently on the Sun Princess, we really have to ask - what are you doing?
YouGov: 2 in 5 Aussies would pay more for a sustainable hotel
If you want to be REALLY sustainable you can go camping. You just might lose the will to live.
“Can planes swim?” – Planes become boats as Dubai Airport is savaged by severe storm
Unfortunately, "can planes swim?" is a real life question and not an opener to a really bad joke...
Explora journeys reveals bespoke outdoor furniture designed by Matteo Nunziati
This is making your plastic table and chairs look really bad now, isn't it?
Bangkok Airways targets growth with renewed Sabre deal
Two stories abut Sabre's growth in one week and its only Wednesday! Watchout world.
PR agency Example wins pitch for InterContinental Sydney
We also went in for the contract but they said that a 'Be Our Guest'- themed TikTok was unoriginal! The cheek.
Norwegian Cruise Line reveals culinary experience aboard Norwegian Aqua
Once again, this TW journalist REALLY regrets writing this before getting lunch.
Signature Queensland hosts luxury tourism event
Known for its tropical beaches and unique wildlife, Queensland also offers luxury.
Capella Sydney recognised in prestigious Travel + Leisure’s 2024 ‘it list’ of best new hotels
You know that 'it girl' at school who everyone wanted to hang out with? Capella is the hotel version of that.
Rex launches 72-hour fare sale with NO school holiday blackout so you can take your kids (if you want to)
Sadly, leaving your children at home whilst you go on holiday is generally frowned upon.
Adventure World offers chance to connect with “heart and soul” of the US
I mean who hasn't dreamed of a road trip around the US?! Go with Adventure World and you're less likely to get lost.
Fiji’s family-owned luxury resort Likuliku Lagoon launches its own app
We were relieved to find out that having a "concierge in your pocket" referred to an app on your phone.
Hawaii: The US’ laid-back front door for Australians
If you needed another sign that you should definitely head to Hawaii - this is it!
Sabre targets Asia Pacific growth with latest hire
Call the Avengers! Sabre continues its bid for world domination with latest hire.
Air New Zealand signs its largest EVER deal for sustainable aviation fuel
Air New Zealand makes huge step towards sustainable travel. We bet it recycles its rubbish properly too.
IHG Hotels & Resorts continues regional growth with Sunshine Coast Holiday Inn
This Holiday Inn looks considerably flashier than some of the ones we have stayed at in our time.