Thomson unveils panoramic virtual tour, digi magazine and app 2.0

Thomson has unveiled a new iPad digital magazine featuring Thomson Resort View – a 360 degree virtual tour of its Sensatori resorts in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.

Thomson has unveiled a new iPad digital magazine featuring Thomson Resort View – a 360 degree virtual tour of its Sensatori resorts in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.

The feature for Apple’s tablet emulates the TourWrist technology that won the most game-changing travel innovation award at last year’s PhocusWright Travel Innovation Summit in Arizona.

Thomson Resort View uses the iPad’s internal gyropscope to give the user the feeling of being in the property by allowing them explore it by moving the device around.

He operator says it is hoping to take advantage of the year on year tripling of tablet use in the UK with its latest release showcasing its Sansatori brand.

The digital magazine features interviews with employees, content-rich destination guides, information about the resorts’ commitment to sustainability and video content.

The magazine launched on the Apple News Stand yesterday.

Luke Gaskins, head of produce development and delivery at Tui, said: “We are thrilled to be leading the way in mobile and tablet technology within the travel industry.

“The huge number of holidaymakers preparing themselves for summer breaks, combined with our commitment to providing as many WiFi spots in our resorts as possible, makes this a great time to excite our customers ahead of their holiday with these virtual experiences.

“This is our first interactive magazine, and we will be developing more in the near future, so customers can continue to experience our product in a new and exciting way, as the same time helping us to take another step towards a more sustainable and digitally innovative company.”

Meanwhile Thomson has launched the second version of its MyThomson app which saw 100,000 downloads in just 11 weeks and 36,000 unique bookings. Thomson has originally targeted 50,000 downloads by the Autumn.

Version 2.0 went live yesterday with improved functionality based around foreign exchange and currency conversion, enhanced social sharing, holiday countdown alert and checklists.

Jeremy Ellis, Thomson managing director, said: “Our customers have loved having this control over their holiday whenever they need it and no longer need to rely solely on traditional ways of planning and managing their holiday, both at home and in resort.

“I have no doubt that the brilliant new features will be just as well received.

“New technology plays an increasingly important role in our efforts to modernise our business. Not only for the traveller, but also to ensure we can continue to enhance our understanding of what holidaymakers need and want, so we can create the best possible holiday experiences.

”We also recognise that technology is constantly evolving and we’ve launched MyThomson 2.0 in response to feedback from users and holidaymakers. As a business we’re dedicated to innovation and are always looking to improve our services.”