Tourists to get virtual experience

New 3D computer technology will give tourists a near-life experience of attractions and help them plan their holidays, according to its New Zealand developer.

Zeddd Virtual combines digitised panoramic images and transforms them into 3D imaging, which allows a viewer to experience and investigate an attraction or potential destination.

Mike Hodges of Zeddd Technology said it had other applications such as retail or education.

Unlike video footage, Hodges said Zeddd Virtual operated like a gaming console, allowing the user to use an avatar to move around the virtual site, exploring and viewing attractions, gathering information about trips or activities or entering buildings or stores to view retail items for sale.

Someone visiting a site can click on an item and learn more about it, while businesses can sell advertising in the virtual environment.

Hodges claimed the technology was a world-first as it embodied a number of computer systems. He said it was ideal for tourism because by engaging web users, there was a greater probability of converting inquiries into sales or product promotion.

"The objective is that by enhancing the online experience, they will identify the attraction as being a must see, and include it in their itinerary," he said.

Initial discussions with regional tourism organisations has been greeted favourably.

- OTAGO DAILY TIMES