Blue Diamond Resorts announced the mapping of its entire hotel portfolio with immersive 3D scenarios that transport each resort to the metaverse and allow travelers and tourism professionals to experience 360° virtual tours of all the details of the properties through an intuitive and easy-to-use interface.
With this, the hotel chain stands out as a pioneer in the hospitality industry, being the first brand to fully map its entire portfolio.
Expected to be available for virtual tours before the end of April 2024, this initiative demonstrates Blue Diamond Resorts’ commitment to innovation and leadership in providing immersive experiences for its guests.
With the introduction of cutting-edge functionality, the chain is opening a virtual door for travelers of all types, business professionals focused on Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events (MICE), and travel consultants whose recommendations are sought and trusted by clients to experience on-property features in precise detail, allowing each to choose the resort product that meets their individual desires or the needs of companies or clients.
The timing of portfolio-level innovation could not be better for Blue Diamond Resorts, as the technology available to bring its resorts into the metaverse has advanced even as the all-inclusive travel genre appeals to consumers as never before, including a new generation of travelers who are now discovering what an all-inclusive resort experience can be, according to the release.
For such vacationers, standard guest room imagery is no longer enough, especially for a property as immersive as a Blue Diamond resort.
Take, for example, the 3D experience prospective guests and travel advisors can expect at Royalton Bavaro, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino.
The Blue Diamond Resorts property, fully mapped for 360° virtual tours, sits along one of the world’s most breathtaking beaches.
Travelers can soak in carefree days, float along a 1,200-foot-long lazy river, master the waves on the impressive FlowRider surf simulator, and enjoy delicious food with reservation-free, no-hassle dining options.
“We have witnessed the growing importance of all-inclusive hospitality for global travelers, and at Blue Diamond Resorts, we firmly believe that the guest experience should begin even before the booking stage. By placing all of our resorts in the virtual world and showcasing every detail, our goal is to extend our robust all-inclusive offerings to our valued guests and partners,” commented Jurgen Stutz, senior vice president – Sales, Marketing and Distribution, Blue Diamond Resorts.
“The challenge is not just about conveying the all-inclusive concept to those who are unfamiliar; it’s about navigating the unique attributes of each of our brands, catering to the preferences of distinct customers. Our presence in the virtual reality universe is not arbitrary; it is a testament to a deep understanding of our diverse customer base,” he added.
The project has been significantly extensive. The dedicated team has more than 30 people, including eight trained photographers and a dozen marketing and branding professionals working together to map Blue Diamond’s resorts individually, all of which have remained open throughout the project.
The metaverse experience is just one of several technological innovations Blue Diamond Resorts has offered guests lately.
They include first-person view drone tours of individual properties, known as ‘Above and Beyond’; radio frequency identification technology bracelets for guests to wear on-site to enter their rooms; and various AI-powered tools that are enhancing the company’s booking engines, as well as website and email travel experiences.
The innovations are facilitating the process from reservations to on-site enjoyment. Meanwhile, Blue Diamond Resorts has found 3D renderings to be quite appealing to users. When they were initially introduced for two resorts in the fall of 2023, visitors spent an average of 30 minutes experiencing details on property virtually.
Now, visits can last from 15 minutes to more than an hour, for example, for a MICE professional evaluating a meeting space for a client.
Innovation also drives the conversion rate to exceed US$1.4 million in business opportunities, consolidating its position in the all-inclusive segment.
Source: Arecoa.com
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