The future is virtual, says Contiki

The future is virtual, says Contiki
By Anne Majumdar


Consumers will be given the opportunity to “try before they buy” as virtual reality comes to the world of travel thanks to new technology due to launch later this year.

Samsung will launch its Gear VR headset in December, with Oculus to launch its long-awaited Rift headset in early 2016.

Contiki managing director Katrina Barry revealed that the youth operator is already heavily investing in the new technology in order to become the “industry leader” in the field.

“We’re the first people to use virtual reality to inspire people to travel and to show them what Contiki is like,” she told Travel Weekly.

The company launched its virtual reality push in July, using 360 degree views shot in Europe and America.

“When you put on the headset with earphones, it’s just like you’re there – it’s amazing,” Barry said.

She highlighted the new technology as a “great tool” for agents.

“It’s offering potential Contiki travellers a virtual holiday before the wallet comes out,” she said.

And although it is currently an expensive technology, the wholesaler is taking its own headsets into agencies for agents to try, and is also hosting in-store customer nights enabling consumers to also have a go.

Facebook’s investment in the technology and comments made by the platform’s chief executive Mark Zuckerberg are clear signs that it is the next big development on the social media stage, according to Barry.

“We believe virtual reality ill be the next major platform,” Zuckerberg recently wrote on Facebook.

“VR is such an immersive experience, and one day it will enable everyone to create, share and experience anything.”

Barry also thinks we are not far off a world where instead of simply clicking on video clips on Instagram, YouTube or Facebook, we will pop on our VR headsets to view clips in 360 degrees.

“We can’t wait for everyone to experience the magic of virtual reality,” she said. “We think it is a great try before you buy.”

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