Ireland might have a reputation for bleak weather but it seems to have everything else going its way at the moment. The Lonely Planet Bluelist 2008 just decided that Ireland is the world's friendliest vacation destination, with its "deliciously dark sense of humor."
Not only are the Irish welcoming to tourists stepping upon their shores, but they're also virtually welcoming. Tourism Ireland claims to be the first such organization to have launched a marketing campaign in that other world, Second Life. (That'd put the Irish at odds with the Dutch, who claim to be the first in cyberspace.) First or not, there's a great replica of the city of Dublin in-game and the tourist board is holding a virtual festival there, leading up to a big St. Patrick's Day celebration in February 2008.
There's only one thing that worries us about this latest idea: If the virtual Ireland in Second Life becomes interesting enough, won't people stop visiting the real Ireland? Or does the full extent of friendliness only become apparent when you're face-to-(real)-face with those jovial Irish?
Like the idea of traveling but find it too much of a hassle? No worries. The Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions has introduced the first virtual tourist board in Second Life. Dubbed "New Holland" it's:
Entirely built and owned by its residents, showcasing the best of Holland. The island has the look and feel of the city of Amsterdam, with a large canal crossing the entire island. It features cobblestone streets, bicycles, boats, typical Dutch and contemporary architecture, bridges crossing the canals, Dutch flags and tulip fields near a Dutch windmill.
Citizens of the faux world can share information about past trips and contribute articles, videos and images related to all things Dutch. Users also get travel tips on ways to get to Holland IRL.
It's about time tourism boards catch on to the marketing opportunity of a web world that shows members a taste of what they're missing by sitting at home on their couches. But shouldn't they do that in a way that doesn't inspire us to sit at home on the couch?
Though it's certainly a smart move from a marketing standpoint, STA Travel's recent launch in Second Life, the wildly popular online virtual reality universe, kind of cracks us up. They've infiltrated the world of Second Life and put on virtual concerts, put up a Mayan Temple, and even opened a travel store. That's where the funny part really comes in. People are paying real money for fake stuff! Well, we guess we have some weird hobbies too.
If you want to keep up with STA in Second Life, this blog will certainly fill you in. They're hosting all sorts of Second Life events, such as travel trivia parties with questions taken from Lonely Planet books. Just remember that the hot young lady in the virtual low-cut STA tank top might not really be your type in first life.
0 Comments - Add Yours
by amandak
