As we continue to challenge our current mindset about the definition of tourism, and what it has the potential to be, we seek guests who have boldly taken action in new and exciting directions to explore alternative tourism models. In this episode we talk with Michael Nees, an inbound tour operator who is exploring the possibilities and potential of technology to create innovative and immersive tourism experiences. Michael has developed a range of Virtual Journeys that are so much more than just a video - they are an immersive experience for the senses and the closest thing to really being there.

Michael’s infinitely curious nature, his ‘imagine this’ approach and long-term thinking place him as an innovative leader in our sector. Michael shares his concerns for the climate challenges we will face, and our need to be adaptive and resilient. He recognises the urgent need to think differently about tourism models, and has a deep desire not to go back to business as usual, but instead to start shifting his mindset to think about how tourism can be different. He asks how tourism can reduce its carbon footprint, and still serve travellers through immersive storytelling.

This episode is not an in depth exploration of the various types of technology (virtual, augmented, extended reality) but rather an invitation for listeners to challenge their perceptions of what tourism is, to take a long-term view of our sector, consider the potential that technological innovations offer tourism, and to open our minds to new ways forward for our sector.

Join the conversation:

Join our LinkedIn network of likeminded professionals exploring what a regenerative future for tourism can look like. We'd love to see you there and hear your thoughts on this episode.

Get in touch with Michael:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelnees/

Email: vrjourneysnz@gmail.com

Show notes and links

Virtual Journeys NZ - Michael’s business

Alex Honnold “The Soloist” free-climbing VR Experience

Research from Jeremy Bailenson and other Standford Researchers

New Zealand Nature Highlights - Arthur Chin’s online farm tour

“Journey into the deep sea” - National Geographic virtual experience showing fragile coral ecosystems

Want to explore what regenerative tourism looks like in practice? Join our GOOD Awaits multi-day Aotearoa New Zealand Experience in March 2023

https://www.good-travel.org/good-trips/good-awaits-new-zealand

Credits:

GOOD Awaits is hosted by Debbie Clarke and Josie Major. Audio production and music is by Clarrie Macklin.

Contact us:

Josie Major - josie@good-travel.org

Debbie Clarke - debbie@good-travel.org

Special Thanks to NZ National Commission for UNESCO for supporting this 2nd season of our podcast.