Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) recently became the first airport in Africa to implement virtual reality (VR) technology. The technology allows users to have a three-dimensional airport experience in a 360° interactive format.
Using a mobile device with a VR headset such as Google cardboard, Oculus or Samsung VR Gear, users will be transported to an immersive virtual world at the click of a button, which showcases the airport and the surrounding province.
Airport Business Development Manager, Eugene van Jaarsveldt, said: “This technology will open up a new world for marketing South Africa, as well as give tourists a powerful way to preview destinations and experiences within our country. With the assistance of Google photographer, Chris du Plessis, we created a unique production, with one of the virtual 360 scenes being an approach to land at KMIA in a cockpit of an aircraft.”
Van Jaarsveld said the product had been showcased during the recent World Routes event in Durban, after the airport airside and landside Google street views were finalised on September 12.
“From an airport perspective, this is a first for Africa. We are delighted to use this industry-leading technology, and what better way to demonstrate the impact this VR technology can have than by showcasing Mpumalanga, one of the world’s most iconic ‘must do’ tourism destinations,” said Van Jaarsveldt.
View the video below:
