Visiting Mackinac Island, the “all-natural” theme park of America, is like taking a step back into time, where you explore the island by horse and buggy, bicycle or foot, take in the views from the porch at Grand Hotel and where you can taste some of the best fudge made. For the first time ever, Pure Michigan is offering a virtual tourist experience of iconic Mackinac Island on Thursday, June 11 from noon to 4 p.m., Eastern Standard Time.
Pure Michigan has partnered with Georama, a real-time vicarious travel platform, to allow the public to virtually tour the island with guide Tom Daldin, host of the PBS show Under the Radar Michigan. Participants can join the tour simply by logging into michigan.org/live. Pure Michigan is the first state tourism office in the nation to utilize this technology, and only the second in the world after Victoria, Australia.
Starting with a ferry ride over to Mackinac Island from Mackinaw City, participants will experience the sightseeing adventure and interact in real time as Daldin makes his way around the island, visiting attractions such as downtown Mackinac, Douds Market – America’s oldest family-owned grocery store – Fort Mackinac and afternoon tea at Grand Hotel, surrounded by 2,500 beautiful geraniums.
“There is a growing interest in Michigan as a destination, nationally and globally,” said David West, vice president of Travel Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “Using technology such as Georama’s virtual tours allows us to engage with potential travelers and inspire them to consider Michigan’s destinations for their next vacation.”
Participants can login to michigan.org/live to watch and listen to the live video feed. The platform allows two-way interactivity, where viewers from around the world can ask questions or offer suggestions to Daldin on where to go and what to do using Twitter or Facebook. Daldin will respond to questions and recommendations received via Twitter or Facebook on camera.
“I’m really looking forward to this shared adventure” said Georama roamer Tom Daldin. “The whole concept of communicating with real people in real time while I explore Mackinac Island is fascinating. Leave it to Pure Michigan to come up with such a spontaneous and exciting way to share this incredible Island with the world.”
Pure Michigan is a brand representing business, talent and tourism initiatives across Michigan. These efforts are driven by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which serves as the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business growth, jobs and opportunity with a focus on helping grow Michigan’s economy.
For more on the MEDC and its initiatives, visit: michiganbusiness.org. For Michigan travel news, updates and information, visit michigan.org
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