New Orleans Embraces Virtual Reality Marketing to Boost Brand Awareness and Stand Out in a Crowded Market
New Orleans Embraces Virtual Reality Marketing to Boost Brand Awareness
For the first time, the City of New Orleans is diving into the world of virtual reality marketing in an effort to stand out in a crowded market as travel begins to reach pre-pandemic levels. The city’s marketing efforts have taken a digital-first approach, with a focus on immersive experiences viewed through Oculus headsets or YouTube.
Mark Romig, CMO of New Orleans and Company, expressed the need to break through the clutter of competing messages in the market. The city’s shift towards digital marketing has seen investments in digital video, social media, and now virtual reality experiences. The goal is to increase brand awareness and engage with consumers in a new and exciting way.
The virtual reality spot, produced in collaboration with Dentsu Creative, showcases unique experiences in New Orleans such as dinner with locals and home tours. While the YouTube video has garnered less than 400 views at the time of reporting, the city is optimistic about the potential impact of this new marketing strategy.
As virtual reality technology continues to gain popularity, more businesses are exploring ways to incorporate it into their marketing efforts. Brands like CUUP, Nestlé, and Estée Lauder are already experimenting with AR/VR to enhance the online shopping experience.
While it’s too early to determine the return on investment for New Orleans and Company’s venture into technology-led marketing, Romig is open to further exploration in this space. As virtual reality becomes more mainstream, marketers will need to adapt quickly to stay ahead of the curve and capitalize on new opportunities for engagement.
With the potential for AR/VR to revolutionize commerce, shopping, and entertainment marketing, New Orleans is positioning itself at the forefront of this digital transformation. As Romig stated, “We’re open for more,” signaling a willingness to embrace innovative technologies to drive brand success in the future.
