Virtual Tours

Virtual tourism and virtual experience creation isn’t new, but it is has gone mainstream now.

The first couple of links above give you an impression of what the ‘big players’ can do. You don’t have to compete, however, you might be able to utilise (Remember to check copyright.) these 360° self-navigated virtual tours, recorded resources, videos, interactive tools and other information in two ways a) to learn and to do remote ‘reccies’ / study visits and b) to add your knowledge and skills. You don’t have to leave your house and you can offer these products even in full lockdown. You are adding value to existing products for your virtual guests and could even use this experience with your in-person guests, once it is safe for them to return.

An Idea: Using Google Arts and Culture, travel the museums, art galleries and sights of the world, find objects and themes related to your local area and create your very own tour. You virtually travel the world telling the story of … Irish Linen, for instance. Your audience can be anywhere. All you need is a video conferencing platform, which allows you to share your screen, e.g. zoom, skype, google meet, clickmeeting and others. You will be live online, able to interact with your audience. You could even send them a ‘goodie box’ of related local products to enjoy during your virtual tour.

When it is safe to go outside, you could do what John, Mike and Joe demonstrate above – guide your own tour. Decide whether or not you want to interact with your audience and consider how confident you are in speaking to camera.

A) Livestream your tour / virtual experience

It’s as ‘easy’ as filming on your smartphone as you stroll through the park or city, giving your commentary and streaming it live on facebook or instragram, where people can respond by ‘like etc.’ or type questions and observations in comments. You need to be a confident multitasker to go this alone. Save your Facebook livestream to your timeline and you can use it later.

Rather than being a roving guide, in an emergency it can work the other way round, too. At the beginning of the pandemic a guide in Orkney, Scotland, couldn’t meet her group as planned, due to newly introduced physical distancing restrictions. She had to stay at home, whilst her guests were walking around. Guide and guests were connected by video call, e.g. WhatsApp. The guide directed the guests to the sights and commented on what the guests could see. An inventive, relatively low-tech solution which worked.

For a bit of fun. have a look at ‘sheep view’ in the Faroe Isles.

B) Offer pre-recorded tours / virtual experiences on social media or through your website

Smart phones have powerful cameras and allow good quality recording of moving images and sound. Be aware that editing and finalising videos can be time consuming, but practice makes perfect.

Some ideas for start-up editing software:

Facebook offers a good resource: Facebook mobile studio: Learn how to make great mobile ads

Once your video is ready distribute it on social media (facebook, instagram, youtube) Don’t forget conventional channels like your own, your association’s; your business partners’ websites as well as distribution to your existing mailing list. Consider time zones and monitor who is viewing what, when, how.

Quick filming tips

• Film in portrait for livestreaming and in landscape for pre-recorded videos
• Avoid zooming, move closer instead.
• Avoid using the camera’s flash and backlighting; instead plan the time of day for best light
• On a smart phone use the back-facing camera. The ‘selfie’ camera produces lesser quality images.

Always: safety first – plan positioning – follow current health and safety guidance – obey restrictions

Earning an income from virtual experiences is difficult and takes time. Consumers have been spoilt by free digital content. In essence, look at income streams for events and find the right mix for you. Here are some ideas to try:

• Ask for donations: many social media platforms have this option as a click button
• Crowdfunding
• Add ads (advertising) when your videos are being played
• Affiliate marketing – link to other people
• Pay per view
• Buy a ticket, e.g. Eventbrite

Step up to the challenge and be aware of virtual overload and screen fatigue.

Transferrable skills – from tourist guide to virtual storyteller

• Start with where you are. Your audience will be anywhere in the world.
• The virtual attention span is very short – get straight to the point before the viewer clicks off.
• Make sure what you say is aligned to the images you show.
• Viewers are using their eyes and ears. You are the conduit to all other senses.
• Make the viewer the hero of the experience.