BOISE, Idaho – July 28, 2016 – Idaho Tourism has ventured into the world of virtual reality (VR), teaming up with 360 Immersive, LLC of Boise to offer viewers a chance to virtually experience a variety of the state’s most popular summer outdoor recreation activities. The first installment of videos will include:
- Rafting the Payette – A family-friendly float trip.
- Snake River Canyon Experience – Paddleboarding to Shoshone Falls, zip-lining in the Snake River Canyon, and BASE jumping.
- Boise Summer Experience – Floating the Boise River, Zoo Boise, Capital City Public Market, biking the greenbelt, and boating at Lucky Peak.
- North Fork Championship – Whitewater kayak competition and fan experience.
- Adrenaline Rush – A compilation of high energy, heart racing summer activities.
“To our knowledge, Idaho is one of only three state tourism offices in the U.S. who are using VR experiences in their marketing efforts,” said Idaho Tourism manager Diane Norton. “We’re excited to be a part of this emerging technology, to give people who’ve never done these activities the opportunity to feel what it is like, and to let the world know that Idaho is an exciting place to visit.”
Using a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet, users can put themselves in the center of the action by moving their screen in 360 degrees (left, right, up, or down). Laptop and desktop users simply use a mouse to click and drag around the video. Adding an inexpensive VR viewer such as Google Cardboard or Gear VR head-mounted display gives users a more immersive VR experience.
“We created these VR experiences to allow people to take control, and see for themselves what makes Idaho a great place to visit,” said 360 Immersive CEO Jennifer Lastra. “VR is a new medium of storytelling that will transform human experiences, along with numerous industries in the tourism, consumer goods, and health care sectors.”
Idaho Tourism will incorporate these VR videos into its marketing efforts via social media, with a heavy focus on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. After analyzing the results of this southern Idaho launch, Idaho Tourism will consider expanding its VR experiences to include seasonal activities and activities in other regions of the state.
All of Idaho Tourism’s VR 360 immersive videos are available on Visit Idaho’s YouTube Channel, Visit Idaho’s Facebook page and on www.visitidaho.org.
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Idaho Tourism
Idaho is home to thousands of miles of biking trails, mountains to climb, lakes to fish, 18 ski areas, and more whitewater than any other state in the lower 48. So take a break from it all and come out to play. Visit www.visitidaho.org for more information and vacation ideas.
Contact: Laurie McConnell
Idaho Tourism
208.287.0781 | laurie.mcconnell@tourism.idaho.gov
360 Immersive
Marketing company DTX Creative was founded in Boise, Idaho in 2001. Over time, the company has combined production and design capabilities, with a passion for communicating messages that positively impact their community. In 2016, the company formally launched 360 Immersive which integrates digital marketing expertise with immersive VR technology. For more information, visit www.360immersive.com.
Contact: Jennifer Lastra
360 Immersive, LLC
208.395.0007 | jennifer@360immersive.com