Visit Greater Palm Springs will give agents the chance to don virtual reality headsets during a UK and Ireland roadshow next month.
The tourist board will be touring a branded Airstream caravan in September as part of its #palmspringsroadtrip campaign to engage with the trade and consumers.
The caravan will be kitted out with virtual reality headsets to give visitors a taste of experiences including the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and off-road jeep tours of the San Andreas Fault.
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Visit Greater Palm Springs president and chief executive Scott White said: “This year we’re investing more than we ever have in the UK/Irish markets, and with this activation we really wanted to bring to life what makes Greater Palm Springs iconic to the UK and Ireland and engage with the trade and holidaymakers to showcase our beautiful destination.”
The roadshow, running between September 1-17, will start at London’s Hampton Court Palace for the annual Concours of Elegance event, which hosts a selection of 60 of the world’s rarest cars.
The tour will move on to Dundrum Town Centre in Dublin on September 7, before setting up in Edinburgh’s St James Square on September 11, followed by Manchester’s Exchange Square on September 13 and London’s Westfield White City on September 16-17.
A different travel company will act as a partner in each location, with London served by Audley Travel, Dublin by American Holidays, Edinburgh by Barrhead Travel and Manchester by Gold Medal.
Agents are being invited to take part in short training sessions which will run throughout the day.
White said: “Our converted Airstream is a nod to the historic midcentury architecture and Palm Springs vibe that has influenced movies, fashion and design.
“Past visitors to our destination tell us they wish they had stayed longer, so we hope this tour will encourage people to learn more about the many activities, events and experiences that are available in Greater Palm Springs.”
He added: “This is the beginning of a long-term plan to invest in the UK and Ireland and we can’t wait to see what else we can do to grow demand over the next five to 10 years with the objective of securing direct flights from the UK/Ireland to Palm Springs International Airport.”
Greater Palm Springs’ nine cities are Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio and Coachella.
Photo: Cesar Cid/Unsplash