A Revolutionary Approach to Destination Marketing
In a bold effort to entice international tourists and investors, Cape Town has recently joined forces with Gecko Digital Global, a local service provider, to create a cutting-edge virtual tour. Led by the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos, this initiative seeks to highlight the city’s various attractions, experiences, and offerings, in line with Cape Town’s six-pillar Destination Marketing Strategy.
The virtual tour is designed to be an engaging and immersive experience, guiding users through the city and showcasing why Cape Town is the ideal destination for visiting, working, studying, playing, investing, and living. Alderman Vos stresses the significance of staying current with trends and utilizing technology to maintain relevance in the eyes of potential visitors and investors.
Alderman Vos stated, “With this virtual tour, we will be utilizing an innovative new tool to connect with people at their computers or on their phones, presenting our locations and products to increase our visitor numbers.”
Strategic Collaboration and Cutting-Edge Technology
The decision to collaborate with Gecko Digital Global for this project is deliberate and well-considered. According to Google Analytics, millennials and Gen Z adults are 130% more likely to book a travel experience after participating in a virtual tour. This captivating virtual experience will also incorporate links to product booking portals, raising the likelihood of enhancing tourism in Cape Town.
Gecko Digital Global is presently working on the world’s first virtual tour booking engine, which will be available to users once the City’s online tour is launched. Alderman Vos is confident that this endeavor will deliver valuable goods and services without placing any additional strain on ratepayers.
Jacques Clarijs, Gecko Digital Global’s partner in its South African division, expressed his excitement for the project, saying, “We create unparalleled content for the world’s top hotels, destinations, and experiences, providing travelers with exceptional immersive experiences. In cooperation with our company, the City will be a pioneer in adopting this technology.”
Upon its completion, the virtual tour will be accessible via the City’s online destination marketing portal at www.thisis.capetown. Alderman Vos envisions the virtual tour as a tool to generate tourism-related employment opportunities in every household. His objective centers on five key categories: aviation, cruise travel, events, SMME product development, and place marketing. Alderman Vos remains dedicated to accomplishing this goal through various projects, partnerships, and strategies.
Transforming Tourism through Innovation and Immersion
The collaboration between the City of Cape Town and Gecko Digital Global signifies an important milestone in the development of tourism marketing and promotion. By adopting state-of-the-art technology and providing immersive experiences, the Mother City is poised to attract a new generation of travelers, investors, and students.
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected through digital platforms, virtual tours offer a novel method for cities like Cape Town to display their unique attractions and experiences. This pioneering project is anticipated to have a transformative effect on the city’s tourism sector, laying the groundwork for increased visitor numbers and economic growth.
In summary, the Cape Town virtual tour promises to be an interactive and immersive experience that will allow the city to stay ahead of international trends and appeal to a wider audience. By harnessing the power of technology and establishing strategic alliances, Cape Town is well-positioned to become a global leader in destination marketing and promotion.
