Craig Wells: Virtual Tour Expert Speaker at 2021 TRCxCRL Symposium

Speaking on Virtual Tours and VR in Western Australian Tourism

Craig Wells recently spoke at the TRC (Tourism Research Cluster) TRCxCRL Symposium, where he discussed the critical role of virtual tours and VR technology in Western Australian tourism. His presentation explored how tourism operators are leveraging immersive digital content to enhance visitor experiences and expand their market reach.

The Key Discussion Points

During his presentation, Craig addressed several important topics:

Content Needs for Tourism Operators

Tourism operators require an enormous amount of high-quality content to entice consumers and enhance their experience. Virtual tours provide a cost-effective way to create compelling visual content that showcases properties and destinations in immersive 360-degree format. This content can be repurposed across multiple marketing channels, from websites to social media platforms.

Virtual Technology Available

Craig discussed the various virtual technologies available to tourism operators, including DSLR-based 360-degree panoramic tours, Google Street View integration, and interactive virtual tour platforms. Each technology offers different benefits and can be tailored to suit specific tourism applications, from boutique hotels to large-scale attractions and outdoor venues.

Advice for Tourism Operators

His recommendations for tourism operators considering virtual tour technology include starting with professional, high-quality DSLR-based photography rather than relying solely on consumer-grade equipment. The investment in professional content pays dividends through improved conversion rates and guest satisfaction. Virtual tours should be strategic marketing tools, not afterthoughts.

Professional Content vs. User-Generated Content

Craig explored the balance between professional content created by experienced photographers and videographers versus user-generated content from guests. While user-generated content provides authenticity, professional content establishes credibility and showcases properties in their best light. The most effective strategy combines both approaches.

The Future of Virtual Tourism

As a virtual tour expert and founder of WellStrategic, Craig brings extensive experience in helping tourism businesses across Australia maximize their digital presence. The symposium provided an excellent platform for sharing insights on how virtual tour technology is transforming the tourism industry in Western Australia and beyond.

Virtual tours are no longer a novelty feature—they're becoming an essential component of tourism marketing strategy, helping operators attract guests, increase bookings, and build deeper connections with potential visitors.

Interested in Virtual Tours for Your Tourism Business?

If you're a tourism operator, hospitality business, or attraction in Western Australia looking to leverage virtual tour technology, WellStrategic can help you create compelling digital experiences that drive bookings and engagement.