Delaware beaches, boardwalks and mansions are being showcased in a new promotional video produced by the state Tourism Office.
Gov. Carney and other state officials unveiled the interactive video that offers 360 degree views of various sights around the state.
It can be viewed online and through a virtual reality headset.
State Tourism director Liz Keller says she’s already used the virtual reality tour at industry trade shows.
“When they put the headset on, it’s kind of awe-inspiring for them,” she said.
Keller calls the video the “perfect marriage of technology and tourism.”
She also touted the impact of the Delaware on Tap app launched last year to connect visitors with local wineries, breweries and distilleries. Keller says the app facilitated hundreds of visits to these local businesses during what’s usually Delaware’s tourism “off season.”
Megan McGlinchey of Wilmington’s Riverfront Development Corp. credits the state Tourism Office for delivering effective strategic marketing campaigns.
“I think when you look at the numbers, you know, the amount of money that other states put into their tourism offices and tourism campaigns, ours is a fairly small amount of money,” she said. “But I think they’ve been able to leverage that small amount with these larger campaigns and get the word out to more than just the regional folks.”
A record 9 million tourists visited the First State in 2016. And state officials say the tourism industry contributed 3.3 billion dollars to Delaware’s economy.
Travelers stopping at the Delaware Welcome Center on I-95 this week will have the chance to check out the video through a virtual reality headset.